Caol Ila 14 Year Old Sestante 64.7% 1980s Bottling

Not complex, but a standout Caol Ila—it's great. Caol Ila CAOL ILA 14yo SESTANTE 64.7% 1980s Bottling The aroma features lemon cake, a strong and sharp barley note, hints of salt and minerals, and a smoky, powerful peat. On the palate, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel that expands into fiery, spicy sensations—citrus and strong barley notes dominate, with a condensed texture. The sweetness is not pronounced, the acidity of citrus is evident, and there's a clean finish with tarry and smoky peat. The aftertaste is long. [Very Good] This is a Caol Ila 14 Year Old bottled by Sestante in the 1980s. While it lacks significant aging complexity and diverse aromas, the fresh citrus notes, strong barley character, sharp mineral sensation, and crisp peat are clearly defined. On the palate, it delivers a spicy kick typical of high-proof whisky, with the same fresh citrus and barley notes as the aroma. The sweetness is not strong, acidity is present, and the sharp, powerful peat is clearly felt. The most striking aspect was its razor-sharp crispness. Despite this, a textured umami with depth emerges, and there's a suggestion of refinement from aging post-bottling. This was undoubtedly a very young, spicy, and dry whisky at bottling. Over time, it's gradually becoming more mature—this was the impression of Caol Ila. It's a difficult whisky to describe, but rather than an overwhelming impact like being hit, it feels more like being pierced by a sharp blade. It's a malt with an acute edge. It will be interesting to see how it evolves further, and I look forward to encountering it again.