| Name: | Caol Ila 12 Year Old |
| Spirit Type: | Single Malt |
| Age: | 12 Years |
| Region: | Islay |
| Year Distilled: | Not Specified (probably 2000) |
| Year Bottled: | Not Specified (probably 2012) |
| Cask Maturation: | Ex-boubon Hogsheads* |
| Alcohol %: | 43% |
| Color: | Amber – 1 |
| Chill-Filtered, Colored | |
| Date Purchased: | 2013.01 |
| Price: | $49 |
| *according to Whiskypedia, Charles Maclean | |
Information
Caol Ila is primarily a blending whisky, being used in Johnnie Walker, Bells, and Black Bottle, among others. Considered one of the “Lighter” Islay whiskies, in actuality it has quite a bit of flavor!
Nose
Balance! Medium smoke, medium salt, medium iodine. Honey, sweet lemon. Hints of coconut, peach, and grapefruit.
Palate
Initial sweetness, followed by a growing smokiness. Pepper, vanilla, and toffee. well balanced.
Finish
Moderate smoke. A bit dry. A hint of nice bitterness.
Conclusion
For those who find Laphroaig to be a bit too Iodine or Ardbeg too bright, this is a great alternative. The balance of this whisky is, in a word, incredible. Glad I bought it at the price I did.
Overall Rating: 88/100
Compare To:
- Laphroaig Quarter Cask
- Ardbeg 10
Caol Ila