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.
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The 12 yo is the only Caol Ila I have had (full bottle). When i opened a bottle I was quite enjoying it. The typical Islay profile, the distillery character, the bonfire smoke, the elegant body and aromatic sweetness. Although imo it lacked complexity a little in comparison to other standard Islay expressions of similar age CI 12 seemed like a very pleasant nosing and tasting experience overall. Then I left a bottle untouched for a month or so and decided to give it another go. The sea profile has almost disappeared, so did the smokiness. Moreover, the finish turned into a very unpleasant one due to being overpowered by oaky biterness and wet ashtray note. Adding water only increased the bitterness in the finish. If you have not tried Caol Ila 12 you should definitely give it a go. You will have a worthy experience. However, this expression is rather mediocre so do not have high expectations. I have decided to get another bottle of Caol Ila from independent bottlers next in hope to get an amplified experience resulting from natural presentation (no colour added, no chill-filtration) and higher abv (46% or over).
Did not touch it for three weeks and tried it again tonight... A way better ! The big peaty oily herbal taste has evolved to something more fruity and salty with less bitterness... I am surprised, I did not realised a whisky could change this much in a couple weeks. 2.5 to 3.5 stars easy. At the end, a good One !
My first Islay and my 3rd single malt whisky after Glenfiddich and Glenmorangie and this one is very different very peat and smoky with olive oil flavor and bonfires with a citrus notes a pretty good finish too.
I am a big fan of islay whisky, especially laphroaig and Lagavulin, but this one, nope. There is no complexity at all. First on the nose, a hint of fruit, and Peat, only Peat... Then on the palate it starts quiet well, really smooth with some light banana I guess, and then again, the peat, the peat and... The peat and this is it. I know it is all about personal feelings, but how can we possible give 5 stars to this ?? Far, far away from the laga 16yo, laph 10yo, ardbeg, Springbank and many others from islay. I just opened the bottle last night and hopefully it will evolve a little bit.
I agree with some of the other reviews that this feels and tastes a little thin compared to peatier Islay whisky. That said, this is a smooth libation, with a nice dose of peat, and many subtle flavours. Perfect for sipping on after a nice dinner or brunch. I have nothing but love for this distillery, and would never turn down a dram of Coal Ila 12.
