Caol Ila 1996 18 YO OMC

Caol Ila 1996 18 YO OMC, 50 %

The series Old Malt Cask has been wellknown amongst whisky fans for many years. Up until 2013 the series was part of the Douglas Laing portfolio. In 2013 the company split, as the two brothers Stewart and Fred Laing parted ways. All assets were divided between the old Douglas Laing company (Fred) and the newly established Hunter Laing (Stewart). OMC was transferred to Hunter Laing.

Caol Ila 1996 18 YO was distilled in September 1996 and bottled in September 2014. It was matured in a sherry refill butt HL 10874. The cask gave 452 bottles.

Usually you will find the OMC bottlings at 50 % ABV, although there are some exceptions to this. The bottler refers to the 50 % ABV as "The Golden Strength".

Unfortunately this whisky is not available in Norway (Vinmonopolet) or Sweden (Systembolaget). We believe this is exclusively available at Viking Line Cinderella.

Nose (21/25): Sea, salt and beach. It reminds me of a late summer evening around a beach bonfire, driftwood smoking as the flames rise. Warm and cozy. I did not manage to make more concrete associations, if you catch my drift.

Taste (22/25): Salt and vanilla at first. More salt and then caramel. Smoke.

Finish (21/25): Salt and smoke.

Balance (21/25): An easy drinking Caol Ila. No peaty punch in your face. Just smooth and salt with some sweetness. It flows very easy down the throat. But the score does not go higher because I would have liked a bit more attitude from a Caol Ila. Maybe I was spoiled by the last Caol Ila I tried...the 30 YO Special release 2014 :)

Score (85/100)

- Tone