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.
Customer Rating
“Went to play golf with old Navy buddies and everyone brought a flask with them, and each flask had a different whisky in it; mine having the 12 year old Caol Ila. By the time we finished playing, my flask was the only one empty because my buddies drank it all! For now on I’m keeping it to myself! Terrific whisky.”
Master of Malt Customer
Reviews and awards looked promising so we chose it as a significant birthday gift for a friend and he was so pleased. Extremely enthusiastic and looking forward to sitting down with a good book and many enjoyable tipples.
This is a very easy drinking and well balanced dram from Islay. Plenty of peat but not overpowering and a really rounded complex finish, lovely stuff and a cupboard essential if I can slow down drinking it.
Very solid dram. Perfect for a rainy evening or a cool night by a campfire. I like this smoke- clean, crisp, not too much, just right, more than a wisp but less than the other heavy smokey drams of Islay. The smoke allows the cereal notes, fruit, and peppery briny spice to shine through. I prefer a little more sweetness and I wish it was higher abv to give more umph. But I recommend to anyone exploring 12 year old peated scotch from Islay or the Highlands.
My sister offered to buy me any whiskey up to £**. I chose a peaty dram and Wow this is worth far more than it cost. Never had it before but I will again.
Love this bottle. I'd buy it more often if it was available in my area more often. Smoky, peppery, & a lingering finish that leaves an impression. Slightly oily, but not overpoweringly so. An Islay whisky to be regarded with respect!
