Caol Ila 12 Year Single Malt Scotch
"The aromatics are incredibly complex and intense while being harmonious and gentle. Scents of grass, smoldering embers, bacon, nutmeg, and dried fruits. The palate offers a lovely, silky texture with incredible length and a pleasing viscosity and a deft touch of wood. A beautiful world-class malt." 97 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2012 Chairman's Trophy, Ultimate Recommendation
Caol Ila Description
This 12 year old is the entry level bottling from the Caol Ila distillery, launched in June of 2002 this expression is light and fresh with that distinctive Caol Ila smoke.
Wine Enthusiast: 90-95 Points
**Best Buy** A seductive brininess and waves of oily peat-reek greet the olfactory sense. The palate entry finds a surprisingly buttery-creamy leaning along with the peat-reek; at midpalate the flavor becomes concentrated, oily, malty sweet, and only moderately peaty. Ends on a sweet malty note. Builds from stage to stage, each phase being better than the last.
Wine Spectator
A very balanced Islay, with a flowery sweetness on the nose that gives as good as it gets against the insistent peat and salt. The peat increases on the palate, but once again the whisky counters with honey and bread dough to maintain equilibrium. Then come sweet spices that get more vibrant on the finish as they're joined by smoked salmon. Blend drinkers should note that this is where Johnnie Walker gets much of its peat.
