Caol Ila is at all times a welcome topic, particularly for a head-to-head comparability. It’s straightforward to search out comparable expressions from totally different bottlers. Right this moment we’re taking a look at Caol Ila 2007, 2010 and 2011 single casks from Maltbarn, Whisky AGE and Elixir Distillers.
Caol Ila 17 yo 2007 (54,2%, Maltbarn 2024, sherry cask, 171 btl.)
Nostril: very good, displaying quite a lot of ashy bonfire character, together with a bitter sherry notice, walnuts and hints of sharp apple. Then coastal notes like seashells, moist sand and sea air. Hints of leather-based and linseed oil too.
Mouth: fairly a strong smokiness once more, barely hotter (South coast Islay) than you’d count on from Caol Ila. Tarry notes, boat rope and burnt herbs. Then mid-palate it exhibits an important citrusy freshness, together with orange sweetness, hints of tobacco leaves, medicinal bitters and delicate honey. Hints of liquorice and espresso as effectively.
End: lengthy, tarry and ashy, together with salted liquorice, burnt bacon and tarry ropes.
A pleasant model, the sherry cask made this much less crystalline than I anticipated. Superb although, with some extra richness and a warming layer of peat smoke. Nonetheless accessible from the Whiskybase store as an illustration.
Caol Ila 13 yo 2010 (55,4%, Whisky AGE 2023, refill barrel #319312, 220 btl.)
Nostril: the brighter and fruitier model. Rubbed lemon skins and limes, together with candied ginger, dried apple and clear smoke. Some wool, linseed oil and a touch of vanilla. Then brine, ashes and sea spray.
Mouth: very clear and recent once more. Citrus fruits with bonfire smoke and hints of candy bacon. Candied ginger and vanilla once more, together with a touch of cashew nuts and cardamom.
End: fairly lengthy, with hotter hints of peat smoke. Nonetheless fairly rounded although, totally on citrus fruits and vanilla.
A reasonably straightforward model of Caol Ila, with the second-fill bourbon cask including roundness. Cleaner and fewer complicated than the sherry cask earlier than, however roughly on the identical degree. Rating: 87/100
Caol Ila 12 yo 2011 (61,2%, Elixir Distillers ‘Single Malts of Scotland’ 2023, sherry butt #301634, 600 btl.)
Nostril: barely extra sherried once more, though it’s nonetheless cleaner than the Maltbarn model. Hints of roasted greens with a barely rubbery edge, together with seaside pebbles and salty smoke. Then some burnt heather and bacon, charcoal, hay and candy hints of glazed donuts.
Mouth: sharp peat, with loads of saline notes and smouldering Mediterranean herbs. Hints of Maggi, ashes, kippers, damp hay and somewhat chilli. Some alcohol burn, but it surely takes water effectively. Scorched lemon peels and grilled shellfish.
End: lengthy, extra umami than the others, with natural smoke and a saline finale.
An ashy Coal Ila with loads of depth. There’s additionally an umami edge that appears to stain the pristine character somewhat. Rating: 86/100
