Caol Ila 18

The older sibling to our beloved Caol Ila 12. Available primarily on the UK market, this older expression from Islay’s largest (by volume) distillery offers a mature finesse and grace through smoke that is, of course, absent in the more commonly found younger expressions of Caol Ila.

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Caol Ila 18

Distillery: Caol Ila

ABV: 43% // 86 proof

Age: 18 years 

Barrels: Undisclosed - speculated combination of Bourbon and refill casks

Color: Light Honey

Non-chill filtered, Natural Color

Nose:  Very Dry. Wet rocks bordering the ocean, after the tide has receded. Mineral driven, ashy peat. Mentholic, very cooling. Oak resin, but not oak dominant. Fresh tobacco. Sea air before the storm. Bourbon casks or evident. 18 years in casks has caused this to calm down significantly from it’s 12 year sibling.

Palate: Viscous. Semi-sweet & very nicely textured. Lemon rind & a quick dash of lemon zest. Charred peat logs. Gentle, quiet smoke - not brash. Reserved. Maritime qualities with some sea kelp & black licorice.  

Finish: Long but soft. Like the exhale of your favorite cigar. Sooty with gentle tendrils of smoke, more menthol notes - big spearmint, freshly muddled mint...resiny, still to the end.

Bourbon and House Rating: 89