Caol Ila 1978 SMWS 53.5 - Rossi & Rossi

A rare single cask bottling from the esteemed Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 53.5 hails from the legendary Caol Ila distillery on Islay. Distilled in the early 1980s and bottled at natural cask strength, this expression embodies the Society’s dedication to character, individuality, and purity.

On the nose, it opens with smouldering peat embers, sea spray, and a touch of sweet smoked malt. The palate is rich and layered — oily and maritime, balancing charred oak, lemon zest, and gentle medicinal notes that evoke the essence of Islay’s rugged coast. A long, warming finish leaves lingering impressions of ash, honeyed malt, and iodine.

Only a limited number of bottles were ever released, making this a highly collectible and evocative piece of Islay whisky history — a perfect showcase of the early Scotch Malt Whisky Society style.