Review #392 - Caol Ila 12 Year
Caol Ila is a distillery that hardly needs an introduction - there are a number of official bottlings, as well as a dizzying number of independent releases available from a variety of brands. This Islay mainstay is a favorite of many, though some will point out the sub-standard bottling stats, at least in the eye of the enthusiast: often under 46% ABV for the strength, and likely some artificial coloring and chill filtration used. In other words, the 'Diageo Special.'
That's most likely the case here with their entry-level single malt. This is the 12 Year version of Caol Ila, coming in at 43% ABV; they don't tell us what casks are used for the maturation, but based on our experience, we're guessing it's at least a majority of ex-bourbon casks, maybe a mix of first fill and refill. How will this Islay regular stand up against its competition from other peaty distilleries?
Caol Ila 12 Year
Scotland/Islay - Single Malt
Current Locally Available Price: USD 83 (2024)
Age Statement: 12 Years
Strength: 43% ABV
Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 3 times over 2 years; bottles at 50%, 50%, and 20% fill levels at times of review. Tasted in a Glencairn glass each time, rested 10-15 minutes
Nose: The peat smoke has a medium strength - ashy, briny, maybe a bit earthy. There's a charcoal note and seaweed, some salt, and just a hint of inky iodine; then, a lighter side with grass, soft white pepper, a bit of sweet cream. Lemon brings a touch of fruit - soft moldy lemon - and there are a couple of delicate accent scents: elderflower and grilled seafood.
Palate: A medium-thin mouthfeel; there's a decent amount of savory, umami flavor here. Peppery barbecue, pork lo mein, a decent amount of smoke, though it's less than some other Islay whiskies. Salt and soft oak notes come next, then it transitions to lighter flavors: vanilla and cream, some guava, lemon-lime fizzy soda.
Finish: Medium length, and the peat grows softer and more subtle. Lemon-lime soda continues from the palate, but there's also a nice mix of wax, butter, lemons, and honey; in the background, a soft mineral side mingles with some wood char.
Final Note: This is a pleasant whisky to sip - we enjoy the more measured level of peat, which allows some of the other flavors to be revealed more easily. An interesting mix of sweet, savory, and smoky, this is relatively complex at 12 years old; still, the bottling strength holds it back a bit, not allowing the flavors to be conveyed with much punch.
Value is okay - this has been steadily increasing in price in our area for several years, and it wasn't cheap to begin with for a 12 year old 43% whisky. There are other Islay options available for a similar price, or even a bit less, that offer stronger flavors and smoke - Port Charlotte 10 Year, Lagavulin 8 Year, and several Kilchomans come to mind.
Our Average Rating: 6.3 / 10
In the current whisky landscape of increasing prices and variable quality, we've added a value rating to our reviews that relates to the score and the available pricing of each whisky. This roughly equates to a 0-10 scale; no reviews so far have exceeded a score of 10, although it is technically possible for the formula to produce a value rating higher than 10 with a high enough score and low enough price.
Value Rating: 5.92
About Us: We're a husband and wife review team living in the Midwest United States. Generally, our reviews and tasting notes will be a compilation of both of our experiences with a whisky over several tasting sessions.
