Caol Ila 12 Year Old is the ultimate Islay single malt whisky and the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malts. Fresh, sweetly fruity, and smooth-bodied with a delicate balance of tastes, this pale straw-coloured whisky is considered by experts to be a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky the world over. Aged for 12 years, it offers a complex yet approachable character that showcases the best of Islay's distinctive style.

Why You'll Love It

This is Islay whisky at its most accessible and refined. Caol Ila 12 Year Old strikes a perfect balance between fresh, citric fruitiness and gentle peat smoke, making it ideal for both newcomers to peated whisky and seasoned enthusiasts. The distillery, nestled in a hidden cove near Port Askaig on the shores of the Sound of Islay, has been crafting exceptional whisky since 1846. This expression has won numerous awards including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its status as a benchmark Islay malt.

Distillery & Production

Produced at Caol Ila Distillery on Islay, founded in 1846 and situated on the shores of the Sound of Islay. The distillery uses clean water from Loch Nam Ban and traditional copper pot stills. The whisky is aged for 12 years in oak casks, creating a smooth, complex spirit with the distinctive Islay maritime character and gentle peat smoke.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw colour. The nose is subdued with citric fruitiness, a whiff of bath oil and dentist's mouthwash, fresh and appetising with little trace of smoke. With water, almond oil, old fashioned oilskins, fresh fruitiness, and a trace of olive oil emerge. The palate drinks well at natural strength with a sweet start, pleasant light fragrant smokiness, and a lengthy finish. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel with light acidity, some salt, and sweeter notes. The finish offers sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.

Perfect Serve

Best enjoyed neat in a rocks glass, adding ice or a splash of water to taste. The addition of water opens up the complex aromatics and reveals hidden layers of flavour. Perfect as an introduction to Islay whisky or as a sophisticated everyday dram for peat lovers.

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Express Delivery

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Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

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