REVIEW: Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 1998 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

let’s begin

REVIEW: Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 1998
Something a bit special, for a price that’s pretty accessible

I like to think of myself as a bit of a whisky connoisseur, I can wax lyrical about most things whisky and have a thirst for knowing more and never want to stop learning about something I love and care so much about.

This is exactly why, whilst on a ‘retail audit’ for a client I noticed the Connoisseurs Choice collection

Having always been a fan of trying the produce from new (to me) distilleries, I opted for the Caol Ila 1998 Connoisseurs Choice , a rather modest 16 year old bottled in 2010 having been distilled in 1998 and costing around £45 that I have been enjoying ever since.

This is exactly why, whilst on a ‘retail audit’ for a client I noticed the Connoisseurs Choice collection

Being used to Islay single malts and their strong taste pre, curing and post consumption, I have been taken aback by just how smooth the Caol Ila 1998 Connoisseurs Choice is with its sweet and delicate smoky nose, followed by a rather lighter taste that finishes pretty smoothly, leaving a subtle smokiness on the tongue.

The distillery itself’s name derives from the Gaelic for “sound of Islay”, and is a near secret Islay malt, rarely being seen in the single malt space so it was definitely a treat to be able to enjoy this dram in all its glory.

OFFICIAL TASTING NOTES

AROMA WITHOUT WATER
Sweet cured bacon influences, with a delicate smoky nose. Some fruity notes emerge.
TASTE WITHOUT WATER
Delicate spice – pepper, a rounded hint of smoke develops. A sweet cured edge is retained with a heavy creaminess
AROMA WITH WATER
More pronounced smoke, with lighter influences of sweet cures, fresh with a hint of citrus fruits.
TASTE WITH WATER
Initially mouth warming, becomes creamy, with a lighter hint of smoke lingering. Smooth and sweet.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

COLOUR
Pale gold.
BODY
Light.
FINISH
Smooth and lingering.
CASK TYPE
First fill Sherry butt.
STYLE
Sweet, smooth and smoky.

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Tags: Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 1998IslaySingle Malt

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.