1981 Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Caol Ila 27 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Whiskey: 1981 Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Caol Ila 27 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

A single cask bottling of Caol Ila released by Duncan Taylor within their Rare Auld collection of whiskies. Distilled in April 1981 and bottled in October 2008. Single cask #2931 yielded 545 bottles.

Size: 750ML

Proof: 109.6 (54.8% ABV)

Age: 27 Year

Origin: Scotland

Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery

Caol Ila is derived from Gaelic Caol Ìle for “Sound of Islay” in reference to the distillery’s location overlooking the strait between Islay and Jura. It was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson. The distillery did not fare well, and changed hands in 1854 when Norman Buchanan, owner of the Isle of Jura Distillery, took over. In 1863 the business was acquired by Bulloch Lade & Co, of Glasgow, traders in whisky stocks. According to the 1871 census, Duncan Johnston was the Distillery Manager at the time. Duncan was the nephew of John Johnston of Lagavulin and cousin to the Laphroaig Johnstons and so the family were involved with yet another distillery on the island. By the 1880s over 147,000 gallons of whisky were produced there each year.

1981 Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Caol Ila 27 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Nose: Black truffle, plum compote and rich treacle initially. Dried apricots, oily walnuts and brandied cherries develop underneath.

Palate: Creamy hazelnut, Seville orange marmalade and stewed apples, with clove and coffee liqueur.

Finish: Antique leather and plenty of sweet earthy tones.

Distillery Information

Caol Ila Distillery is situated on the North Eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura.