Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Winter Dram
4 583
Review by @markjedi1
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall83
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Caol Ila is the big work horse of Islay that produces peated whisky for Diageo's blends, of which Johnnie Walker Black Label is the best known one. But it stands on its own as a single malt without any problems. There is a reason why Coal Ila is my favorite Islay whisky. This 12 Year Old is the entry level malt that can be had for as little as 35 EUR. I try a recent bottling, from February 2016. The nose is soft and sweet on caramel, apple and lime. Loads of dried grass and a touch of fish oil. Then something that reminds me of green olives, but with a medicinal twist. The smoke is rather mild. If you leave it for a length of time, it will turn a touch sour. It is wonderfully oily and very spicy from the start. The first sip offers peat and maritime elements, the second leaves a bit of room for the citrus. A soft peppery note and some wood counterfoot this. It is nicely balanced. The long finish keeps the mouth warm. At the death you get another salty uppercut that floors the sweetness. For that price, this Caol Ila should be in your cabinet. Wonderful winter dram. Thanks for the sample, Pat!
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I couldn't agree more, Mark. It's a nice, uncomplicated easy drinking Islay and always my fallback dram when I can't make a decision. I would probably tweek the rating up to something between 85 and 88. Nice review, thanks.