Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
- Distillery
- Caol Ila
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £1100
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Kippery, Medicinal
- Description
- Distilled in 1978 and bottled at cask strength (61.7% ABV) as part of Diageo's Rare Malts series, this Caol Ila captures the distillery in its raw, uncompromising form. The high proof amplifies Islay's characteristic maritime peat and salinity while maintaining the underlying spirit character from its era. A formidable dram for collectors and those with a taste for vigorous, unadulterated island whisky.
Similar bottles to Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 — Highland Park, £999, 5.0★ · Smokey, Honey, Dried Fruit, Toasted
- Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Talisker 30 Year Old — Talisker, £829.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Fresh Fruit, Old Wood, Oily
- Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) — Ardbeg, £724.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Oily, Medicinal
Different style alternatives to Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition — Hibiki, £1200, 5.0★ · Honey, Sherried, Malt Extract, Fragant
- Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Hibiki 21 Year Old — Hibiki, £750, 5.0★ · Honey, Vanilla, Dried Fruit
- Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Glenfiddich 30 Year Old - Pre 2014 — Glenfiddich, £799, 5.0★ · Sherried, Vanilla, Honey, Old Wood

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ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
Price
£1100
✦ Neatly Summary
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky is a from Caol Ila (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky and peaty character — smokey, kippery, medicinal. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Distilled in 1978 and bottled at cask strength (61.7% ABV) as part of Diageo's Rare Malts series, this Caol Ila captures the distillery in its raw, uncompromising form. The high proof amplifies Islay's characteristic maritime peat and salinity while maintaining the underlying spirit character from its era. A formidable dram for collectors and those with a taste for vigorous, unadulterated island whisky.
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