Caol Ila Cadenhead's Single Malt Scotch Whisky Miniature 12 Year Old · 1978 Vintage

Colour

Deep amber-gold with copper-bronze highlights, a warm, sherry-tinted glow.

Nose

Bold peat smoke mingles with maritime brine and iodine, opening the nose with an antiseptic, coastal wave. Waxy barley gives a mineral grip, while lemon zest and citrus rind lift the aroma. Subtle vanilla and oak sweetness unfold, teased by sherry-tinged fruit and spice in the background. The high ABV keeps it taut and long on the nostrils, echoing Islay's rugged coastline.

Palate

On the palate, dense Caol Ila peat and iodine surge through a briny sea-salt core, wrapped in smoke. Citrus zest and vanilla offer bright balance, while a peppery warmth and oak lift the mid-palate. The finish is long, mineral, and infectious with lingering smoke.

Finish

Long, maritime finish carried on a plume of medicinal peat, with sea-salt and iodine lingering. Subtle sweetness fades to charcoal and pepper, leaving a warming, drying glow on the tongue.