Caol Ila 2006 Distillers Edition (bottled 2018) Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml              ABV: 43%              Age: No Age Statement                 Country: Scotland

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. A whisky critic once called Caol Ila ‘Mr Consistant’, how right they were. It always amazes us how they are able to create a large volume of spirit and always manage to mature the whisky to a perfect balance.

Quite simply a dram like no other. Caol Ila combine the sweet wine Moscatel with our favourite smokey dram and boom, a delightful Distillers Edition. Caol Ila peated single malt which has been previously matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for around 12 years is left to mature for a further 6 months in ex-Moscatel European oak barrels. It was then bottled at 43% ABV.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Scones with salted butter and orange conserve, vanilla and seaweed.

Palate: Creamy malted barley, stewed apricots, fig jam, honey sweetness and subtle citrus notes.

Finish: Dried apricots, honey, sea spray, smouldering campfire smoke, garden herbs and sweet citrus.