Caol Ila: Caol Ila is pronounced “Cull Eela”. It’s the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura. For some, the distillery’s pronunciation is as remote as its location, sitting as it does on the rugged eastern coast, where it has remained hidden from view since 1846. However you say it, the fine, smoky whisky produced by generations of islanders is worth exploring.

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Caol Ila Moch

Appearance – Pale gold.

Nose – Like wet, salty sand after the tide has receded, with antiseptic notes. Some smoke behind, as from an old bonfire.

Palate – Unreduced, sweet and salty with a balancing acidity, Caol Ila’s trademark smoky-antiseptic character is here.

Finish – Quite short, drying and warming with a little bitterness. Lingering smoky aftertaste.

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Caol Ila 12 Years Old

Appearance – Pale straw.

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.

Palate – Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish.

Finish – Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.

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Caol Ila Distillers Edition

Appearance – Clear gold.

Nose – Wonderfully concentrated and clean, peaty, medicinal, with rich fruit, spicy and fragrant.

Palate – Sweet maltiness strike first, then overwhelmed by peat smoke, intense, crisp flavours, and cinnamon spice.

Finish -Long, rounded, robust and multi-layered.

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Caol Ila 18 Years Old

Appearance – Golden.

Nose – Smoky bonfires, then soapy water and wet wool, with a smouldering beach bonfire in the distance. Hints of mineral oil, then wax.

Palate – Smooth and mildly sweet start with good acidity and sea salt.

Finish – A lingering, charred, slightly sour finish.

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Caol Ila Cask Strength

Appearance – A pure amber tone.

Nose – Carbolic, with a beach-bonfire smokiness behind. Then medicinal, lightly floral.

Palate – Reduced, smooth and mildly sweet; light acidity and salty. Mild, compared to the flavour at natural strength.

Finish – Pleasant, lightly charred. Lingering

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Caol Ila 25 Years Old

Nose – Unreduced, sweet-spicy, fresh sea-air notes. Hints of preserved fruit, perhaps. Adding a little water brings up subtle, fragrant polished wood.

Palate – Unreduced, immediately sweet and fruity with a balancing bitterness. As befits its age, Caol Ila’s trademark smoky-medicinal character is controlled rather than exuberant. A good mouthfeel complemented by a complex flavour.

Finish – Quite long, sweetly drying, with more smoke coming through. Pleasant aftertaste.