Caol Ila
13 Years Old - G&M Discovery
- 43
- 70cl
- Taste: 4
- Islay
Caol Ila is Islay's largest Distillery, located in Port Askaig. Situated on the North-Eastern shores of Islay, the distillery has fantastic views across the Sound of Islay to the neighbouring Isle of Jura. Hector Henderson founded the distillery in 1846, and it boasts a lengthy legacy of crafting peated single malt Scotch whisky. While its original construction dates back to the 19th Century, the distillery underwent a complete demolition and...
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Caol Ila is Islay's largest Distillery, located in Port Askaig. Situated on the North-Eastern shores of Islay, the distillery has fantastic views across the Sound of Islay to the neighbouring Isle of Jura. Hector Henderson founded the distillery in 1846, and it boasts a lengthy legacy of crafting peated single malt Scotch whisky. While its original construction dates back to the 19th Century, the distillery underwent a complete demolition and reconstruction in 1973. Throughout its history, Caol Ila changed hands multiple times and is currently under the ownership of Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverage corporation.
Caol Ila is one of the milder Islay whiskies, displaying a light hue and featuring distinct peaty, floral, and peppery undertones.
This single malt has been bottled by Gordon and MacPhail, an independent bottler in Elgin. It is part of their Discovery range. Designed to highlight and introduce whisky drinkers to the core flavour profiles of single malts, the Discovery range is excellent for people wanting to try something different. Using a variety of distilleries their aim is to showcase the flavours whisky develops using either Bourbon Casks, Sherry Casks or Peated Malt. Gordon and MacPhail mature the spirit using their own casks. They only bottle the whisky when they believe it’s ready and never before.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Golden.
Aroma - Sweet and savoury. Dry-cured meats glazed with luscious apricot jam combines with rich vanilla notes. Flashes of softly swirling peat smoke complement the delicious sweetness.
Taste - Bursting with juicy tropical fruit - pineapple, kiwi, and banana - brushed softly with icing sugar. Light touches of malt and vibrant lemon peel balance the sweetness.
Finish - Long and luxurious with hints of sweet marshmallow toasting over gently smouldering bonfire embers.
Caol Ila is one of the milder Islay whiskies, displaying a light hue and featuring distinct peaty, floral, and peppery undertones.
This single malt has been bottled by Gordon and MacPhail, an independent bottler in Elgin. It is part of their Discovery range. Designed to highlight and introduce whisky drinkers to the core flavour profiles of single malts, the Discovery range is excellent for people wanting to try something different. Using a variety of distilleries their aim is to showcase the flavours whisky develops using either Bourbon Casks, Sherry Casks or Peated Malt. Gordon and MacPhail mature the spirit using their own casks. They only bottle the whisky when they believe it’s ready and never before.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Golden.
Aroma - Sweet and savoury. Dry-cured meats glazed with luscious apricot jam combines with rich vanilla notes. Flashes of softly swirling peat smoke complement the delicious sweetness.
Taste - Bursting with juicy tropical fruit - pineapple, kiwi, and banana - brushed softly with icing sugar. Light touches of malt and vibrant lemon peel balance the sweetness.
Finish - Long and luxurious with hints of sweet marshmallow toasting over gently smouldering bonfire embers.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig