Caol Ila 12
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Description
This 12 year old is the entry level bottling from the Caol Ila distillery, launched in June of 2002. This expression is light and fresh with distinctive Caol Ila smoke. Caol Ila 12 Year Old is of medium weight, but still packing plenty of potent phenols. This is a refined, powerful dram with a compensating oiliness. A balanced, peaty beauty.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Very light oakiness underneath, with only a thin layer of malt serving as a vehicle for the peat. Caol Ila has a reputation for being one of the “lightest” examples of Islay peat, but I would say that the peat here is simply less brash and smokey. There’s no denying that the dominant note here is peat.
Palate: Soft in texture, but with a lot of tongue burn for 43% ABV. The peat is subdued on the palate, revealing instead waves of chocolatey malt and a bit of nutty oak.
Finish: Medium-Long. The peat becomes almost fruity, with a hint of strawberry jam. Chocolate fudge and hazelnut butter.
With Water: A few drops of water make the peat more pungent, but don’t affect its character. The water might tame the tongue burn somewhat. It certainly doesn’t hurt.
Overall: The nose is a little off-putting for some, even if you enjoy peat. The muddiness and earthy quality of the peat seems very different to us than the peat of other Islay distilleries. However, that all changes on the tongue, where the peat gives way to a very tasty chocolate note. This continues through the finish, which has the strangest merging of boggy peat, strawberry jam, and chocolate fudge. Weird, but very satisfying. we would score this higher if the nose were either more clear and refined, or less peaty. Either way, the rest of the experience makes up for it.
Awards for Caol Ila 12
3 reviews for Caol Ila 12
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Rob –
Nice easy drinking whisky with a decent amount of character. Very light on the peat which makes it quite mild for an islay. Great value
dannylyons1000 –
This is a superior product, consisting of an incredibly smooth whiskey, which has a light level of peatiness, accompanied by a secondary light level of smokiness; These are also accompanied by a beautiful slight sweetness, which combined together to make an aromatic and addictive whiskey.
It is smooth onto the pallet, releasing its flavour slowly and softly in the mouth, and with a fulfilling aftertaste as all three elements combine.
If you have not tried peaty whiskeys (which are heavy on iodine content) then this will probably be the ideal gateway for you.
Finally, the review of five stars is made up of five out of five for quality, and five out of five for value.
jean_pierre_pvt –
Being new to the whisky enthusiast scene the Caol Ila was remarkably strange in taste yet alluring as I tried to place all the tastes and smells, a gentle and smooth smokey flavor with ice, would recommend tasting it in numerous different styles to enjoy its very unique flavors and smells.