The Caol Ila 18yo is a single malt whisky from the renowned Caol Ila distillery, located on the Islay-Sund, a sea channel between the Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura in Scotland. The distillery, surrounded by rugged Nordic landscapes, cold sea waters, and rocky coasts, has been in production since 1846. The whisky is meticulously crafted using a mash tun, ten washbacks, and six stills, with water sourced from the small Loch nam Ban.
This 18-year-old expression is celebrated for its balanced, malty, and rich flavor profile with distinctive notes of Caol Ila smoke and phenols, resulting in a delightful Islay single malt that doesn’t overwhelm with excessive peat. The nose offers smoky hints of bonfires, soapy water, wet wool, mineral oil, and wax. On the palate, it is leafy and sweet, with grassy and herbal aromas; the peat arrives late, tempered by smooth oak. The finish is peaty with an oaky smoothness, leaving a lasting impression.
With a refined, dry, and smoky character, the Caol Ila 18yo reveals notes of oak and seaweed. The extended aging process has mellowed the phenolic impact, creating a very mature and serene Islay malt. Signature olive oil notes add depth and complexity, characteristic of this esteemed distillery. The whisky boasts an ABV of 43%.
Reviews comparing the 2002 and 2015 releases highlight significant differences. The old edition offers a complex and bold old-stylish profile with fruity-sweet and maritime flavors, while the new version leans towards a modern, wood-driven whisky profile, perceived by some as less complex. Nevertheless, the 2015 release remains a pleasant dram, appreciated for its subtlety and elegance.
The Caol Ila 18yo whisky is aged for 18 years.
The ABV of Caol Ila 18yo is 43%.
The bottle size is 700 ml.
The distillery is located on the Islay-Sund, a sea channel between the Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura in Scotland.
You can expect a balanced, malty profile with smoky, peaty, and oaky notes, along with hints of seaweed, olive oil, and grassy herbs.
The finish is long, sweet, and spicy with a noticeable peaty and oaky smoothness.
Overall: The Caol Ila 18yo offers a complex and multifaceted flavor profile, characterized by a combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and peaty notes.
Reviewers have highlighted the Caol Ila 18yo’s complex and balanced nature, noting its subtle yet profound smoky profile. It features fruity notes of apple and peach, with an integrated smoky finish. While some prefer the older 2002 batch for its bold flavors, the newer releases are appreciated for their elegance and well-balanced characteristics. Overall, it is seen as a fine, dependable dram worth its price, marked by a sophisticated blend of sweetness, smoke, and oak spice.
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