Caol Ila 26 yo (1977/2003), Old & Rare – The Platinum Selection, 57.7%

Introduction

Caol Ila 26 Year Old (1977/2003) is an extraordinary expression from one of Islay’s most respected distilleries, independently bottled at the peak of its maturation by the renowned Douglas Laing for their premium Old & Rare – The Platinum Selection series.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Select Scottish malted barley, infused with the distinct peaty character that defines Islay whiskies, paired with the pure spring water from Loch Nam Ban near the distillery
• Distillation process: Traditional copper pot still distillation at Caol Ila distillery, located on the northeastern shores of Islay with views across the Sound of Islay
• Maturation: 26 years of patient aging in carefully selected oak casks from 1977 until bottling in 2003, allowing for deep complexity to develop
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength (57.7%) without chill-filtration or artificial coloring to preserve all original characteristics and oils

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Maritime salinity with waves of sweet peat smoke, iodine, and seaweed balanced by honey, orchard fruits, and vanilla oak
• Palate: Robust and oily with intense layers of smoky peat, black pepper, and sea salt, mellowed by rich toffee, dried fruits, and subtle citrus notes
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with lingering medicinal peat, brine, and oak spice gradually transitioning to sweet vanilla and dried fruits

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky snifter or Glencairn glass to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat with a few drops of spring water to release additional aromatics and flavors
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, blue cheese, smoked seafood, or simply on its own as a contemplative after-dinner dram

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 57.7% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland/Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Douglas Laing’s highly acclaimed Old & Rare – The Platinum Selection, recognized among collectors as one of the finest independent bottlings of Caol Ila

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Caol Ila 26 Year Old (1977/2003) represents an extraordinary moment in time from one of Islay’s most respected distilleries, captured perfectly at the peak of its maturation.

As bottles from this special 1977 vintage become increasingly scarce, collectors and connoisseurs worldwide are seeking out these remaining examples of this historic release before they disappear forever.

Recognized by leading whisky authorities as exemplifying the quintessential character of aged Islay malts, this bottling stands as a benchmark against which other peated whiskies are measured.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and collectors consistently praise Douglas Laing’s Old & Rare – The Platinum Selection for representing the absolute pinnacle of independent bottlings.

Many dedicated collectors who have committed to acquiring significant bottles from this series consider this 26-year-old Caol Ila an essential addition to any serious whisky library.

This expression is particularly cherished for capturing the perfect balance between Caol Ila’s distinctive maritime character and the refined elegance that only decades of maturation can achieve.

From Islay to You

By selecting this exceptional bottling, you’re receiving more than just a whisky – you’re being granted access to a piece of Scotland’s distilling heritage that has been carefully preserved for over a quarter century.

The approachable yet complex character of this Caol Ila appeals to both newcomers seeking to explore premium Islay whiskies and seasoned aficionados who appreciate the nuanced development of long-aged spirits.

Join the distinguished community of whisky enthusiasts who understand that these historical bottlings represent not just consumption but preservation of a shared cultural legacy – secure this rare bottling while the opportunity remains.