Caol Ila - 12 Year (750ml)
Price: $89.99
| Producer | Caol Ila |
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| Country | Scotland |
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| Region | Islay |
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| Style | Single Malt Scotch |
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| Sku | 19277 |
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| Size | 750ml |
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Caol Ila Description
Islay’s hidden gem, nestled down at the sleepy bay of Caol Ila lies the islands biggest distillery. Like all of Islay’s distilleries Caol Ila is surrounded in some if Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. Sitting on the edge of the sound of Islay, Caol Ila stands tall and proud alongside the fast flowing water separating Islay from Jura making it one of the most picture perfect settings for a distillery.
Caol Ila is Islay’s giant, producing more than double the spirit of the other distilleries on the island. Purpose built to produce over 7 million litres of spirit each year, Caol Ila distillery allows visitors to see large scale whisky production at its best. Don’t let the size fool you though, the passion of the people at the distillery ensures that all 7 million litres contains the same fresh, light smokiness typical of the Caol Ila 12 year old. Much of its large scale production is used to keep some of the world’s most famous and enjoyed blends in steady supply.
With a larger range available than her sister distillery Lagavulin, Caol Ila offers a variety of different expressions to suite the different tastes including a delightedly sweet unpeated Stitchell release which shows that even without the Islay peat Caol Ila would be an outstanding malt.
Wine Enthusiast: 90-95 Points
**Best Buy** A seductive brininess and waves of oily peat-reek greet the olfactory sense. The palate entry finds a surprisingly buttery-creamy leaning along with the peat-reek; at midpalate the flavor becomes concentrated, oily, malty sweet, and only moderately peaty. Ends on a sweet malty note. Builds from stage to stage, each phase being better than the last.
Whiskey Advocate: 89 Points
Funny to think how recently Caol Ila was an Islay giant that was kept pretty much under wraps by its owner. These days it has cemented its reputation as the island’s Mr. Consistent. This version shows its character the best, a nose that mixes seashore and grass with a distinct hint of smoked bacon. The peatiness isn’t dominant, but flows throughout the palate, scenting, lifting, and subtly changing the mix. A delicious oiliness makes it a great food whisky.
Wine Spectator
A very balanced Islay, with a flowery sweetness on the nose that gives as good as it gets against the insistent peat and salt. The peat increases on the palate, but once again the whisky counters with honey and bread dough to maintain equilibrium. Then come sweet spices that get more vibrant on the finish as they're joined by smoked salmon. Blend drinkers should note that this is where Johnnie Walker gets much of its peat.
