Caol Ila 12 Year Old - 70cl 43%

For lovers of Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin, this Islay distillery may be less famous but is definitely high rated.

Built in 1846, Caol Ila (Pronounced 'Cull-Eela',)is situated on the North-Eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. 

This 12 year old is an entry level bottling from the Caol Ila distillery which was launched in June 2002.

Light and fresh, this Caol Ila whisky has that very distinctive Caol Ila smoke we have all come to know and love.

Nose: Fresh and herbal with rubbed peppermint leaves, oils, cigar leaves, smoke, hickory and smoked ham.

Palate: A good body with more oil, tar and elegant smokes. Also with hints of boiled sweets.

Finish: Long and peppery with a kick of warming spice before finally smoke.

A telling improvement on the old 12-y-o with much greater expression and width.

- Jim Murray
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2016
The World's Leading Whisky Guide