Caol Ila

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl

The ultimate Islay malt, Caol Ila is considered by experts to be the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malt whiskies and a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky the world over. Fresh, sweetly fruity and smooth-bodied, Caol Ila 12 year old is the colour of pale straw, with a delicate balance of tastes.

Serving Suggestion: To enjoy, simply serve the 12-Year-Old Caol Ila neat in a rocks glass, adding ice or a splash of water to taste.

Delivery is always free for Malts Club members and orders over £75.

"Iodine, fresh fish and smoked bacon feature on the nose, along with more delicate, floral notes. Smoke, malt, lemon and peat in the drying finish."

Gavin D Smith, Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015, p.93

"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."

Dave Broom, Whisky Advocate Summer 2012

"This is a splendid Coal Ila. It is wonderfully vibrant. Understandably, the immediate impact on the palate is the peat smoke, but there's so much else going on here, too: smoked olives, seaweed, salt and pepper, all placed on a gently sweet bed of toffee and vanilla fudge. Lingering smoke, olives, and seaweed on the finish."

John Hansell, Whisky Advocate Winter 2004

"A balanced expression of peat in this version. A lot of intricate aromas in this dram."

Martine Nouet 2005, Whisky Magazine, Issue 50

"Better balance than the cask strength. The peat is at same level, but a greater range of aromatics has been brought out. Complexity emerges."

Dave Broom 2005, Whisky Magazine, Issue 50

"Barbecued fish and seaweed on the nose, oily bacon-fat, squeezed lemon and sweet smoke on the palate, immensely satisfying citrusy seaside barbecue of a finish."

Dominic Roskrow, Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015, p.93

International Spirits Challenge

Bronze

2009

The Scotch Whisky Masters

Master

2010

International Spirits Challenge

Silver

2011

International Spirits Challenge

Gold

2014

The Scotch Whisky Masters

Gold

2011

International Wine & Spirit Competition

Silver

2007 & 2009

International WIne & Spirit Competition

Gold

2008

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Double Gold

2006 &2016

San Francisco World Spirits Competion

Gold

2005, 2008-2009

San Francisco World Spirits Challenge

Silver

2007

Appearance

Pale straw.

Body

Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel: firm with a light to medium body.

Nose

Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of bath oil and dentist's mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose, with little or no trace of smoke. A little water raises almond oil and old fashioned oilskins; still a fresh fruitiness, a trace of olive oil, and after a while potpourri or scented hand-soap.

Palate

Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel; with water light acidity, some salt and still the sweeter notes. A complex balance of primary tastes.

Finish

Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.