Caol Ila 1978 15 Year Old Independent Bottling

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2000 James MacArthur

This cask strength bottling under the Old Master’s label was released in 2012 by the independent bottler James MacArthur. It is very, very pale. The nose is typical Caol Ila. And that is always a good thing. Creosote and ashes with some seaweeds on the one hand, while sweet fruit in the shape of pears and baked apples counter foots this on the...

Score 86/100

Caol Ila 14YO Unpeated Sherry cask

I gave a sample of this out to a blind taster with the challenge of naming the distillery in three guesses. First quote was 'it's a Speyside isn't it?' Yep, this is rather different Caol Ila Needs water and then time to breathe though, the whopping 59% means the nose is overpowered when neat. It's a lightly floral nose with red fruit hints. Quite...

Score 74/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Caol Ila 12 year old was a fine addition to my Islay memory treasure. Like Snatch in Guy Ritchie's CV, Caol Ila's 12 yrs isn't the best ones that Islay has to offer. But it is enjoyable and very close on the edge of greatness. Actually that's the only thing in common with these two. Snatch was still a damn violent and accelerating movie but Caol...

Score 84/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

When watching a Bowmore review recently I asked Ralfy to recommend an Islay whisky for a Scotch neophyte, He said to "look up Caol Ila 12". I found 2 bottles 30 miles away and purchased one today. I am very pleased that I did and thank-you very much Ralfy! Nose: Brine,a bit medicinal and smoke palate: newly unwrapped bandages,...

Score 90/100