Whisky Reviews/Review 188

Cadenhead Caol Ila 1984 2017 33 Years Old 56,4% bottledfor WF Takao 2017

Illustrative imageCaol Ila · Explore distillery

Amber Room ReviewIndependent tasting notes

Reviewed 24 June 2026 ·View daily archive

Region: Islay
Independent Bottler: Cadenhead
Age: 33 years
ABV: 56.4%
Vintage: 1984
Bottled: 2017

Definitely an excellent sherried Caol Ila, probably the best that I have came across

Bottle record

Images

Illustrative image · Illustrative client photo: Cadenhead Single Cask Caol Ila 33y, 56.4%; dates and bottling recipient unverified. — Illustrative imagePrimary image · Illustrative client photo: Cadenhead Single Cask Caol Ila 33y, 56.4%; dates and bottling recipient unverified.

In the glass

Tasting Notes

1 Amber Room Review

Definitely an excellent sherried Caol Ila, probably the best that I have came across

Nose

Beautiful meaty smoky nose, can honestly smell this all day, starts off big peat & smoky but then develops into a softer, more elegant meaty smoke balanced with an aroma of sweetness and florality that’s just mesmerizingly good

Body

Definite packs a big meaty punch, candied bacons, slightly spicy but nothing overwhelming, comparable to some 1980s Port Ellen

Finish

Long meaty & sweet finish, turns more sweet than smoky towards the end, the spiciness dies down and the aftertaste is very pleasant

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