Caol Ila 12 Years
Caol Ila is one of the ten largest distilleries in Scotland and by far the largest on the island of Islay. Nevertheless, a permanently available series of standard bottlings has only been on the market since the early 2000s. We taste the classic.Actually, a large part of Caol Ila’s production ends up in blends, such as the Black Bottle or Johnnie Walker. The own bottlings have become more and more popular in recent years. With good reason?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The 12-years single malt opens with a cold medicinal smoke. Campfires and burnt-out coals come to mind. Light citrus notes follow, as well as mineral notes. The scotch smells very clean. Not intense - rather restrained.
Palate
This Islay malt opens almost creamy and surprisingly sweet. Later, the smokiness takes over. Very pleasant notes of sea asparagus and oatmeal are on the tongue. Light, not intrusive and maritime, all parts of the palate are reached.
Finish
Phenolic citrus fruits and a slightly spicy oak note remain. The smoke lingers in the medium-long finish.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
Anyone looking for an uncomplicated Islay malt with character will definitely find it here. The Caol Ila 12 Year charmingly plays with smoke and sweetness without overwhelming the palate – a genuine pleasure for any occasion and a welcome invitation into the peaty world of the island.
Sascha 78/100
Caol Ila 12 Year impresses with its balanced interplay between smoky and maritime notes, combined with a creamy texture and a clearly defined finish. A technically solid Islay single malt that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, without offering complex depth.
Value for Money: Good
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Why is Caol Ila 12 Year relatively restrained in smokiness despite its Islay origin?
Caol Ila 12 Year exhibits moderate smokiness because the distillery maintains a balanced style. Compared to other Islay whiskies like Laphroaig or Ardbeg, its phenol content is lower, resulting in a cleaner, less intense smoke profile.
What role does the maritime influence play in Caol Ila 12 Year?
The maritime influence is especially evident in the mineral and salty notes as well as the flavor of sea asparagus. The proximity to Islay’s coastline shapes the whisky’s aroma and taste, imparting a light, fresh sea breeze character.
How does Caol Ila 12 Year differ from the blends in which it is used?
While Caol Ila 12 Year as a single malt offers a clear, slightly sweet, and maritime character with moderate smokiness, the whisky is often used in blends like Johnnie Walker or Black Bottle to contribute smoke and peat notes and enhance complexity without being dominant.