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'm not much of an Islay man, preferring the sherrybombs, but I liked this one. Pretty unique flavor profile. First whiff is all seaside with the salt coming through. Then the light peat and a citrusy fruity note, not the ripe or overripe fruityness of a Speysider. Grassy herbal, minty almost. The smoke comes through clean with meat - smoked ham is about right on the finish and it stays for some time. Pretty intriguing. Recommend with a splash of water. Many won't like it because the flavors are not very sweet...I mean whoever thought of the lingering taste of smoked meat in their whisky?! But if you have a taste for adventure and whimsy, the out of the ordinary, the unexpected, why not? I actuallyfound this more ...what's the right word....charming...than the Laph 10. The latter is all muscle and muscle has its uses, it this makes you wonder, because its got more surprises up its sleeve. 7/10 for me, if you judge it right as it should be judged in its class. No point comparing something like this with a Glenfarclas
Not worth a damn..... should've left it at the kennel.
The wife and I both like this one the most.
At first I thought this was an Offensive Smelling Shot of Paint Stripper. But after a minute of Airing the true brilliance of this 12yo Single malt came through and I find my self Loving this. A Lovely Earthy and Smoky Aroma and Flavour. A Sort of Campfire Smokiness, rather than the Cigarette Ash of some other Lesser Whiskys.
I do not want detailed about this Whisky, but if you like an a complex smokey flavor at an affordable price try it- you will not be disappointed.
