Tasting notes Serge Valentin: 89 points (Whiskyfun.com)

No worries, the very distinguished bottler is actually much more engaging and civilised than he looks on the labels ;-). No bandido and no hell’s angel, mind you.

Colour: white wine.

Nose: tense, precise, lemony, a touch syrupy, getting a little rootier, almost on mezcal and gentian. That’s the way if you ask me. With water: there, brake fluid, and engine oil for your old boat.

Mouth (neat): this is immensely prefect, ueber-clean, wonderfully sweet, on peat smoke and fish oils, kippers, smoked salmon, and then citrons and tangerines that would make it pleasantly sweet indeed. Very very good and exactly what any proper malt aficionado should expect from some young yet mature Caol Ila. With water: same.

Finish: rather long and rather more on smoked fish and tangerines. Let’s try that next time we’re doing some cooking (like, around 2027). More pepper in the aftertaste.

Comments: young Caol Ila, unless shamelessly botoxed (yeah, finished), will always bring us a lot of joy.