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.
good
Its a gently friuty light peated whisky. I like it.
This whisky tastes like a very bland Bowmore. It has a very damp earthy taste but nothing else to offer. Was somewhat excited to try this one but was very disappointed. If you want Islay, stick with Lagavulin or Laphroaig.
I'm no whiskey connoisseur. I am merely a whiskey lover so I can't address flavor nuances and hints of this or that. My evaluations run between Like, Love and Wild About (I have yet to taste a whiskey that I dislike). My favorites have always been the Highland whiskeys as they tend to be on the peaty and smoky side. I tasted Caol Illa 12 for the first time in Sweden. A gift from a friend. The first sip was a bit of a burn. Then came the incredible aftertaste. The second sip was perfectly rounded. I fell in love with it from that moment on. When I had my chance to visit Scotland I would drink it at every pub that carried it. I also brought a bottle home (too bad there are weight limits on flights). This one falls in the category that I'm Wild about.
Being a fan of Islay whiskies I never tasted Caol Ila before. What a great taste this one has. I love Bowmore, Lagavullin and other Islays but this one is one of my top three favorites.
