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.
Will drink this all day any day at the price point, even over the Ardbeg. Like it better than more "trendy" bottles like Lagavulin 16. Hope it stays under the radar.
Horrible.
Flavoursome, easy on the palate, fresh but still smoky on the first sip. After taste is Amazing and continuing.lovely velvet finish with a touch of spice. Love it. My other favs are the Ardbeg Uigeadail, Talisker Dark Storm and Mortlach.
New to the world of whiskey, someone gave me a bottle of bowmore and it took me a year or so to open it, thats where it started. Anyway I am rambling, back to the Caol Ila, WOW, first blast I thought bloody hell, dont like this, smelt of cough candy and stale cigars. Added a drop of watter and left it 20 mins. Peppermint comes through, smoke is andsome my lovverlys and what a taste explosion in my mouth, roll it round your tongue and it will smack you in the back of the head like a brick wrapped in lemon. Not 3 bad at all to my rather inexperienced taste,would I buy it again, hell yes.
Smooth and smoky with lots of flavours and a great finish
