Built in 1846, Caol Ila is the largest of the eight distilleries scattered across the Isle of Islay on the west of Scotland. Caol Ila is one of the lighter Islay Whiskies, lighter in colour than its powerful neighbours, but with a distinctive floral and peppery notes which complement the traditional Islay peaty flavour.

Since 1974, Caol Ila has been sourcing their malted barley from Port Ellen. The malt is peat-smoked on the other side of the island at the same site that produces the malt for Lagavulin. Some experts note a distinct difference in the taste of Caol Ila before and after the distillery started to use the Port Ellen maltings, observing that the “newer” Whisky is lighter and cleaner than its predecessor.

The nose is big, round, and full of Islay’s pelagic, beachy, warm rock pool and harbour wall style. Catch its sweet, damp, warm, earthy peatrichor on the palate,
ahead of barbecue flavours, soot and ash. On the finish candied barley sugar vies with contrasting peated barley, salt and trailing smoke.

Only 248 bottles produced and bottled at cask strength ABV 53.9%.