Caol Ila 2012 Aged 8 Years Private Cellars Selection Single Malt Scotch Whisky – The Whisky Cellar (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 56.2%           Age: 8 Years Old          Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 325887
Date of Distilling: 09/2012
Date of Bottling: 03/2021
Matured In: refill Bourbon Hogshead then finished in a Madeira wine barrique
Un-Chillfiltered

The name Caol Ila comes from the Gaelic ‘Caol Ila’ meaning ‘Sound of Islay’ which is the stretch of water which separates Islay from Jura. The distillery was founded in 1846 and has been very successful through its long history. The distillery draws water from the nearby loch which is surrounded by myrtle and heather. As did most distilleries it closed during the Great Depression from 1930 to 1937 and was reconstructed from 1972 to 1974. Juggling between old traditional methods and modern methods of using new technology. This distillery produces whiskies that have chocolate, citrus and floral notes as well as tangy and peaty, which is typical of an Islay whisky.

Founded in by Keith Bonnington, a Keeper of the Quaich this Edinburgh based company are bottlers of small batch selections of single cask whisky. “We are a flavour diversity driven bottler and our core message is that, if we love the spirit enough, we will bottle it, irrespective of age, region, cask type or style. We want to bring to market extremely high-quality one-off whiskies which represent good value to the consumer.” said Bonnington. Bonnington works with a panel of tasting experts to ensure only the very best whiskies are bottled for The Whisky Cellar. Between them, the panel has over 200 years experience. So, you know these single cask whiskies must be good!

This cask strength single malt whisky was distilled at the Caol Ila distillery before being placed in a refill ex-Bourbon American Oak Hogshead it was then placed in an ex-Madeira wine barrique in 2019 for a finishing period. In March 2021 it was bottled at 56.2% abv as part of the Private Cellars Selection range. Only 201 bottles were produced for worldwide distribution.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Salty sea spray, Middle Eastern spice market, ripe tomatoes and some earthy smoke.

Palate: Salted caramel, bonfire embers and red fruits.

Finish: Smoked meats and delicate spices.