Caol Ila 12 Year Old comes from the largest distillery on Islay, set directly on the shore of the Sound of Islay facing the Isle of Jura. Most of what Caol Ila produces goes into blends, Johnnie Walker among them, so the 12 Year Old single malt bottling is a rare chance to taste, on its own, a whisky most people have already had without knowing it. Its smoke sits well back from the heavier, more medicinal Islay style, built instead around citrus, a light medicinal edge and a delicate, fragrant peat. It suits someone who wants a genuine Islay malt without the intensity of Laphroaig or Ardbeg.
CHARACTER
Lemon: Citric fruitiness leading the nose
Iodine: A classic bath-oil, medicinal edge
Almond: Almond oil richness that opens up with a little water
Rose: Potpourri and dried-flower notes underneath
Smoke: Light, fragrant smokiness through the palate and into the finish
TASTING NOTES
NOSE- Citric fruitiness leads, with a classic bath-oil and medicinal edge, and only a light trace of smoke.
PALATE- Sweet on the entry, opening with almond oil and floral potpourri notes and a delicate, fragrant smokiness.
FINISH- Sweetly smoky, closing long with a gentle sourness.
