Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
- Distillery
- Caol Ila
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £500
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Old Wood, Citric, Leathery
- Description
- This 1981 Caol Ila, distilled during a particularly strong vintage year for Islay and bottled as a single cask at 46% ABV after 21 years' maturation, captures the distillery's character during its most celebrated era. The early 1980s were marked by exceptional spirit quality from Islay distilleries, a reputation that has only grown as earlier releases have demonstrated their aging potential and complexity. At 21 years old in this release, the whisky would show mature maritime character with peat smoke, salt, and subtle orchard fruit balanced against oak spice. A testament to Islay's 1980s production quality and the enduring appeal of single-cask bottlings from this period.
Similar bottles to Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky vs Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition — Glenmorangie, £399, 5.0★ · Sherried, Vanilla, Toasted, Old Wood
- Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) — Springbank, £599.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Old Wood, Leathery, Toasted
- Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky vs Ardbeg 21 Year Old — Ardbeg, £599, 5.0★ · Smokey, Medicinal, Kippery, Leathery
Different style alternatives to Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts — Teaninich, £344.14, 5.0★ · Hay-like, Leafy, Malt Extract, Vegetative
- Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky vs Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask — Kavalan, £387.43, 5.0★ · Sherried, Dried Fruit, Nutty, Chocolate
- Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Grinsell's Wood Tree 9 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) — Midleton, £300, 5.0★ · New Wood, Vanilla, Toasted, Cooked Mash

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ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
Price
£500
✦ Neatly Summary
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky is a from Caol Ila (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, vibrant and fruity and oaky character — smokey, old wood, citric, leathery. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
This 1981 Caol Ila, distilled during a particularly strong vintage year for Islay and bottled as a single cask at 46% ABV after 21 years' maturation, captures the distillery's character during its most celebrated era. The early 1980s were marked by exceptional spirit quality from Islay distilleries, a reputation that has only grown as earlier releases have demonstrated their aging potential and complexity. At 21 years old in this release, the whisky would show mature maritime character with peat smoke, salt, and subtle orchard fruit balanced against oak spice. A testament to Islay's 1980s production quality and the enduring appeal of single-cask bottlings from this period.
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