Caol Ila Sweet & Smoky Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Cooper’s Choice #9102 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 54%           Age: NAS           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 9102
Date of Distilling: NA
Date of Bottling: 2021
Matured In: ex-Bourbon Casks then Port Pipe Finish
Un-Chillfiltered

The Coopers Choice range of single cask whiskies from Scotland’s finest distilleries is our homage to these fine craftsmen and their important role in the Scotch Whisky industry. Owned by The Vintage Malt Whisky Company which was founded in 1992 by Brian Cook who was the export manager for the Auchentoshan and Bowmore Distilleries. Brian’s aim was to produce a range of malt whiskies from his country’s finest distilleries and make them available to independent wine and spirit importers throughout the world.  Now the Vintage Malt Whisky Company is certainly a family-run business with Andrew Crook (Brian’s Son) taking on the mantle as Managing Director. The company has now exported over 5 million bottles worldwide.

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.

A Caol Ila matured in an ex-Bourbon Cask then given a finish in a fresh Ruby Port Pipe. Bottled in 2021 at 54% cask strength. Only 780 bottles were made available for worldwide distribution.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Fried bacon, walnuts and raisins, slightly herbal and with cigar smoke.

Palate: Dried meats, toasted walnuts, ripe dark fruits and peat smoke.

Finish: Long with some intense smoke and dark fruit sweetness.