Nose: Aromatic, darkness. Herbal, vegetal. Grassy, creamy malt.
Palate: Big, refined sweetness, leafy. Well integrated oak, smoke, oily, peat. Barley.
Finish: Long, herbal notes, gentle smoke, soft peat. Oily wood.
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Fabulous Islay Malt, a good step up from the 12 year old as you would expect. No water required for me and just enjoy one of the longest finishes in Scotland, the peat is there all the way but at no point tries to steal the limelight, so smooth, beautifully balanced. For me, Islay doesn't get much better than this. Perfect time of year to enjoy it too.........
6th November 2014
Finally drained the last of my 18 and sadly I can't find it anywhere I've looked in the central US. This has the richness of classic highland malts with the fullness of Islay smoke and peat. Perfect balance of both.
5th November 2014
Wow ..... amazing, a pound of taste ... indeed !
11th October 2014
That was the comment my wife made once the peat hit her! Smooth and sweet, with a hint of honey and that lovely smokey finish
10th September 2014
I was turned onto this gem about 8 years ago, when a dear Friend of mine brought a liter back from Heathrow airport. This is, and was, a great value @$69 a liter back then, but I would gladly pay twice that amount. For many of my Macallan fans, this soon became their new favorite.If you love Talisker as I do, this will be a nice lil departure...Now, if I can only find a bottle of it...
13th August 2014
Of all the "older" expressions of single malts that I have I think the Caol Ila 18 is the best. It is a wonderful extension from the 12 year old, smoother but just as peaty as its younger relative. Very easy to drink!
15th May 2014
strepitoso !!!
4th April 2014
Just finished the last ounce as the winter fades and the snow melts and rolls off my roof. The finish pulls long, a sweet slow burn with just right smokiness. I will search far and wide to find its replacement.
11th March 2014
I think I've tasted about 100 different kinds of Scotch, American, Japanese whisky, but this is by far the most pleasing of them all.The nose is brilliant, the taste keeps on developing and the finish is long, warm and smooth, fantastic stuff.Get one while you still can!
4th March 2013
Taster's Club Review of Coal Ila 18
1st August 2012
This is a great well-rounded scotch. The nose is simply excellent. Not as smoky as the 12 year old, with a bit more citrus. My favorite note in it is the campfire that felt really present. It has elements of citrus as well that are outstanding and subtle. Read the rest of my review here:http://www.tastersclubwhiskeyofthemonth.com/blog/2012/07/25/caol-ila-18-year-2/
I really support the previous comments, especially from "the taste of ordinance"(disregarding the 'man's drink' bit) but I know what he means. Some Islay drams are more floral, some more phenolic and/or oily,and a spectrum between. But this is definitely somehow industrial strength Islay. Not as coarse as some, and not dominated by peat, this has a big complex nose and oily massive great mouth to match, with a spicy bitter cordite hint. I really think this is the best Caol Isla I have tasted by a long way. Glorious stuff.
15th April 2011
this whiskey smells of grease and oil and tastes of the maintenance man's dream. Burnt powder and over heating of break linings. A man's drink.
22nd January 2011
I really like this one, it´s so smooth and the nose is fantastic. Compared to the 12Y this is less smoky and not as rough. Excellent stuff!
20th January 2011
The best Caol Ila in the range. I mean....wow! Buy this and judge for yourself. Way to go, Diageo!
5th December 2010