Caol Ila 12 Year
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
43% ABV
$80 – $90
Website
What the Distillery Says
The ultimate Islay malt, Caol Ila is considered by experts to be the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malt whiskies and a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky the world over. Fresh, sweetly fruity and smooth-bodied, Caol Ila 12 year old is the colour of pale straw, with a delicate balance of tastes.
APPEARANCE: Pale straw.
BODY: Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel: firm with a light to medium body.
NOSE: Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of bath oil and dentist’s mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose, with little or no trace of smoke. A little water raises almond oil and old fashioned oilskins; still a fresh fruitiness, a trace of olive oil, and after a while potpourri or scented hand-soap.
PALATE: Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel; with water light acidity, some salt and still the sweeter notes. A complex balance of primary tastes.
FINISH: Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.
What Gary Says
Nose: Subtle peat and sea air, grassy, vanilla, hint of grapefruit and apricots, leather, maybe a touch of mint.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with a smoky sweetness, vanilla, light spices, nutmeg, soft peat, orange and lemon zest.
Finish: Long with peat smoke, slowly building pepper spice.
Comments: A solid single malt that brings the peat but in a gentle and sophisticated manner. I’m a bit embarrassed that we hadn’t reviewed this classic until now! This is a pour that I find I enjoy nosing a bit more than drinking (not that I don’t enjoy the sipping part!) The nose has a bit more complexity than the palate, but both are nicely balanced. If someone has been turned off by peat in the past (maybe diving right in with a Laphroaig) but is looking to try again, I find this to be a great ‘peat gateway’ pour.