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.
Balanced smoke and peat with fruits and sweet. Not the most challenging whisky and the finish isn't spectacular but the nose and palate is well worth the price. Definitely better than I thought it would be with some underwhelming reviews from some respectable critics. The savory flavors really match well with the oily sweetness. If only at 46% and NCF with no caramel added!
I'm fairly new to scotch, but have been trying quite a few. Fell in love with Macallan 12 yo, and Highland Park 12; but decided to venture out into the smoky and peaty flavours of Islay. Heard much about Caol Ila and decided to try it. It is very, very good whisky indeed. Very smoky and powerful but just really a wonderful drinking experience (even for a beginner). Would I buy a bottle of it? . . . Absolutely. Top Shelf!
I found Cao Ila the smoothest of all the Islay whisky's i have tasted. which makes for easy, enjoyable drinking. Spot on with the notes. Scapa 16 yr so far at the top of my list followed by Bunnahabhain 12 yr (special edition reserve).
I've been drinking single malt whisky with no smokie tones for many years. Time to make a change became with Call Ila. This whisky bring me to a different level of enjoying with deeply structured aroma and very long aftertaste with absence of alcohol tone where universe of hundreds tastes requires your attention and waking up your taste sense immediately.
Very specific, feels like a medicine, but God damn a perfect medicine! You keep enjoying hours after last dram. Best from highly-smoky whiskies.
