- Robert Parker (RP) points
- Vinous points
Caol Ila - 12 yrs
Size
70 cl
Price
€60.00 ex. VAT
In stockIn stock
Tasting notes
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. Pale straw colour. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel: firm with a light to medium body. Subdued, citric fruitiness on the nose; 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. 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. Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.
More information
Provenance
- Type
- Whisky
- Producer
- Caol Ila Distillery
- Country
- Scotland
- Region
- Islay
- Style
- Single Malt
Technical
- Vintage
- Grapes
- ABV
- 43%
- Size
- 70cl
- Ageing
- Serving
- 15° - 17° C
- Drinking window
Key characteristics
About this whisky
Caol Ila is a distillery located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson and is now owned by Diageo. The name Caol Ila means "Sound of Islay" in Gaelic, referring to the stretch of water that separates Islay from the neighboring island of Jura.
Caol Ila is known for producing peated single malt Scotch whisky. The 12-year-old expression is one of their most popular offerings. It is made using malted barley that has been dried over peat fires, giving it a smoky flavor. The whisky is then aged for 12 years in oak casks, which impart additional flavors and aromas.
The Caol Ila 12-year-old has a pale gold color and a nose that is both smoky and sweet. On the palate, it is smooth and creamy, with flavors of smoke, honey, and citrus. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of saltiness.
Overall, the Caol Ila 12-year-old is a well-balanced and complex whisky that is perfect for those who enjoy peated whiskies. It is a great introduction to the Islay style and is sure to please both novice and experienced whisky drinkers alike.
Caol Ila Manhattan
Caol Ila Manhattan is a stirred cocktail made with Caol Ila - 12 yrs, served in a coupe.
- Method
- Stirred
- Glass
- Coupe
- Ice
- Cubes
- Garnish
- Flamed orange peel
Ingredients
- 60 ml Caol Ila - 12 yrs
- 20 ml Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
Method
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the Caol Ila - 12 yrs, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and Orange Bitters.
- Stir gently until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
Serve
Coupe glass, garnished with a flamed orange peel.
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Behind the bottle
Producer
Caol Ila Distillery
Caol Ila Distillery is located on Islay, one of Scotland's principal whisky-producing islands in the Inner Hebrides. The distillery produces single malt Scotch whisky, a spirit category defined by production at a single…
Explore Caol Ila Distillery
Region
Islay
Islay is a small island located off the west coast of Scotland, known for its peaty and smoky single malt whiskies. The island has a long history of whisky production, dating back to the early 18th century. The unique character…
Explore Islay