Caol Ila 9 Years 2015/2024 - James Eadie
When you taste a whisky from Islay, you expect a smoky, maritime explosion - and that's exactly what the Caol Ila 9 Years 2015/2024 from James Eadie delivers, with an enormous elegance that inspires. This distillate takes us on a journey to the wild coasts of Islay.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The flavour is reminiscent of bacon glazed in honey - sweet, salty, a hint of smoke. Lemon zest and bourbon vanilla give it a fresh, creamy note that harmonises perfectly with the icing sugar sweetness. But then come the maritime notes: Rust, seaweed, and a hint of sea salt. It's like walking over the cliffs on a rough Islay day.
Palate
At the first sip, an intense rush of iodine and cold smoke is noticeable, accompanied by a strong salty impact that emphasises the maritime tones. But then the whisky surprises: a warm, almost jam-like sweetness of redcurrant jelly comes to the fore, reminiscent of a cosy evening by the fire. The slightly burnt note is interesting, adding depth and complexity without losing balance.
Finish
The finish is long, voluminously smoky and accompanied by a distinct saltiness that is like a gentle sea breeze. The earthy notes - almost granite-like - give it weight, while the red-fruity sweetness provides an unexpectedly pleasant contrast.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
A real crowd-pleaser, the Caol Ila 9 Years from James Eadie delivers just the right amount of smoke and sweetness to make for a perfect cozy evening – almost as if you were sitting on the coast of Islay feeling the wind. A whisky with character that simply lifts your spirits and makes you eager for the next sip.
Sascha 86/100
The 54.9% ABV of the Caol Ila 9 Years 2015/2024 reveals an impressive balance between maritime notes and sweet accents, well integrated structurally. The complex aroma profile featuring iodine, seaweed, and blackcurrant jelly demonstrates a successful harmony, making this independent bottling both analytically and sensorially a convincing Islay whisky.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Kirsch Import. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the high strength of 54.9% ABV affect the taste of the Caol Ila 9 Years 2015/2024?
The 54.9% ABV delivers an intense unfolding of aromas, particularly enhancing the smoky and maritime notes. At the same time, the whisky maintains its elegance despite the strength, allowing for a well-balanced tasting experience.
Which typical Islay characteristics are especially pronounced in the Caol Ila 9 Years 2015/2024?
This whisky displays classic Islay traits such as pronounced smokiness, maritime notes of seaweed and sea salt, as well as a salty iodine touch. These are complemented by a pleasant sweetness and an earthy depth that reflect the island’s character.
How does the taste experience evolve from the first sip to the finish in this Caol Ila?
On the first sip, intense iodine and cold smoke notes with salty spice dominate. As it develops, warm, jam-like sweetness and a slightly burnt note emerge. The long finish remains smoky and salty with earthy accents and a fruity contrast.