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.
"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.
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