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.
This was the very first smoked whisky I have been tasting and I was positively surprised about it. I still enjoy this, nice whisky indeed! gp
But instead of $65 US I'd rate this at more like a $40 price. As in what I pay for Laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10. Doesn't make sense for it to be this price. But at $40 it would be a very decent dram.
Purchased at very short notice in a sleety storm in Barnsley from a supermarket, on our way to a Burn's night celebration. Im not sure why i picked this one the selection was good and I'm a big unpeated fan, so was ready for some Bruichladdich. Obviously a liberal dose of peat in this one makes it almost a polar opposite. Having always had myself as not being a fan of peat, overcoming the very pungent nose introduced me to a wonderful, smooth, rich but also delicate smoky dram, doesn't suit added water. I'm so impressed I'm going to submerse myself in the world of peaked whisky and see if i need to re-evaluate my palate.. Fantastic
I got a bottle of this at Christmas during the height of a cold. By boxing day, half the contents were gone and I was feeling much happier! It's characteristically Islay, containing briney and peaty notes though it's nowhere near as aggressive as Ardbeg, Laphroaig or Lagavulin. If you're new to Islay whisky, this one's probably the best to start you out. It has the savoury flavours of the sea and smoke, but with a gentle, warm, soft touch.
At all the rave reviews for this particular whisky. Has a very medicinal nose and oily mouth feel, the taste can only be described as that of the smell of smoke, which lingers for too long. While not totally unpleasant its certainly not the best single malt in this market bracket but perhaps worthy of a taster.
