An Islay classic that we will never get enough of. Caol Ila 12 year old is the entry-level bottling from the Caol Ila distillery, launched in June of 2002. Caol Ila is the largest of the Islay distilleries by output and so it’s a favourite of brands, independent bottlers, and blends like Johnnie Walker.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old appeals to connoisseurs while also making the perfect entry to the world of peated whisky for newcomers, with its beautifully measured and mellow smokiness and a rich array of seaside flavours. It’s a serial award-winner that works great in cocktails (we recommend a smoky Highball), as well as being a good whisky to pair with salty and savoury foods.
Fresh, herbal. Rubbed peppermint leaves, stemmy, damp grass, smoky. Oily, cigar leaves, smoked ham, hickory. Lemon peels at the harbour.
Good body, oily, tar, elegant smoke. Hints of boiled sweets.
Long, peppery, spicy warmth, smoke.
I gave my flavor pallet to my "spirit guide". He recommended this bottle instead of the big brand name on sale at the time. I am very surprised by the quality at this price point. There are several bottles of lesser quality product for twice this price point.
My experience is almost identical to hmmmmmm..... a couple of weeks ago. My first dram I let air for about 10-15 minutes before trying. I was sorry I bought this stuff! I'll NEVER buy this again, etc... A few days later I tried it again and I fell in love. This is going into my favorite five. To me it has the perfect balance of peat smokiness and sweetness. Truly great stuff! I've found an online source that I get from and have been getting a bottle a week along with Lagavulin 16 and Talisker 10. Cheers!
I'm a big fan of the 12 year old and have usually enjoy this neat. However, it seems as if Diafeo has changed the flavour profile somewhat and it doesn't seem as inviting as before. There's more of a phenolic note present and the sweetness present in previous versions is not as pronounced. Could Diageo have altered the recipe in order to allow for Caol Ila to take the place of Lagavulin within the Johnnie Walker Black Label blend?
I feel one should enjoy a cigar with this one. Maybe a glass of water at almost sub zero temperatures on the side. It also feels too oily. Over all, it was an interesting beverage. Solid 4!
opened this a few days back and thought it was ok, no big deal ,it's nice..... Took it out yesterday night, started sipping. well, it's the next day in the afternoon now (afetr i slept of course!), and i started sipping again. I've got other bottles to savor but this Caol Ila just "got me". was it the dinner that affected my palate and taste buds earlier?.....Now, the dram is totally delicious & drinkable, neat. i'd fancy this over the bowmore 12, maybe even the Talisker 10,and it seems a bit lighter and less complex than the Laga 16 but in a good, warm & relaxed way. very, very nice....
