Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
- Distillery
- Caol Ila
- Region
- Country
- Scotland
- Type
- Single Malt
- ABV
- 51.2%
- Age
- 40 years
- Price
- £1500
- Community rating
- 5.00 / 5 (1 ratings)
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Old Wood, Medicinal, Leafy, Leathery
- Description
- Caol Ila's 40-year-old single hogshead—distilled in 1979 and bottled by Douglas Laing in October 2019 at 51.2% ABV—represents exceptional longevity for Islay's most maritime distillery. Four decades of aging have mellowed the classic seaweed, brine, and herbal character while adding subtle layers of honey, dried fruit, and polished oak. The texture remains vibrant and slightly oily, with a lengthy finish that gradually releases waves of maritime smoke and faint citrus. A collector's treasure for those seeking to understand how time transforms Islay's most distinctive coastal terroir.
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Different style alternatives to Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve — Glengoyne, £995, 5.0★ · Malt Extract, Honey, Vanilla, Fresh Fruit
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- Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) vs Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old - 107 Proof - 2011 Bottling — Old Rip Van Winkle, £1500, 4.5★ · Vanilla, Toasted, Nutty, Oily
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✦ Neatly Summary
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is a 40-year-old single malt from Caol Ila (Scotland), bottled at 51.2% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, oaky and peaty character — smokey, old wood, medicinal, leafy. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Caol Ila's 40-year-old single hogshead—distilled in 1979 and bottled by Douglas Laing in October 2019 at 51.2% ABV—represents exceptional longevity for Islay's most maritime distillery. Four decades of aging have mellowed the classic seaweed, brine, and herbal character while adding subtle layers of honey, dried fruit, and polished oak. The texture remains vibrant and slightly oily, with a lengthy finish that gradually releases waves of maritime smoke and faint citrus. A collector's treasure for those seeking to understand how time transforms Islay's most distinctive coastal terroir.
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