Because it is a journey through time filled with memories all the more moving than the last, to taste a single malt of such a venerable age, and it is perhaps even more true for an Islay, is always exciting. It is customary to say that over time, the “old” Islays tend to see their peaty and smoky character dull in favour of other facets of their personality. With its notes of peat and smoke which continue to establish their supremacy on an aromatic and taste palette that has gained in smoothness, while retaining a lot of freshness, this Caol Ila is the exception that confirms the rule. Magnificent in intensity, the dry extracts of the empty glass are a perfect illustration.