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Product Description
A classic Islay whisky that’s perfect for fans of peated whisky and those looking to explore the smokier side of Scotch whisky alike, Caol Ila 12 Year Old is the ultimate Islay malt. Aromas of lemon peel, green apple, almonds and sea salt burst forward, with delicate wisps of peat smoke appearing on the nose. The palate brings notes of vanilla, flaky sea salt, tart fruit and coastal peat smoke, before a lingering finish, filled with sweet smoke, driftwood and lemon peel notes.
This is one of those whiskies I always go back to. It’s just got a brilliant clarity to it, lots of lovely oysters, rockpools, citrus and campfire smoke. People can stereotype Islay whiskies as big peat monsters, but this shows that smokiness doesn’t have to come at the expense of elegance. Joe Rogers, The Whisky Exchange
Style
Style
- Body3
- Richness3
- Smoke3
- Sweetness2
Character
Character
Food Pairing
Food Pairing
Our wine expert, head buyer and experienced sommelier Dawn Davies MW, recommends Caol Ila 12 Year Old to bring out the best in these dishes.
Product Facts
Product Facts
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Age
Country
Scotland
Region
Islay
Colouring
Yes
Caol Ila 12 Year Old
70cl / 43%
In stock online
£53.95
Web Exclusive Price
£44.96 ex VAT
(£77.07 per litre)
Maximum 6 per customer
You must be aged 18 or above to buy alcohol in the UK
Delivery
Delivery
Express delivery(Choose a day)
From £6.95
Standard delivery (2-4 Working Days)
From £4.95
Click & Collect (Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm)
Free
How We Pack
Eco-friendly packaging
Our boxes are made of 100% recyclable cardboard and our protective honeycomb paper wrap keeps your package safe and significantly reduces our need for plastic.
Flexible delivery options
We deliver to countries all over the world! You can also select express delivery, or pick a specific delivery date, at checkout.
Packed with care
Our experienced warehouse team take great care with every order. As specialists in glass packaging they ensure that your items stay safe and secure in transit.
Returns
30-Day returns policy
We want you to be 100% happy with your order and it is our aim to ensure that all products supplied to all customers arrive in perfect condition. You have the right to cancel your order at any time without being charged for the goods ordered within 30 days of purchasing (other than for perishable or personalised products or those products that have been specified as non-returnable).
Drink Responsibly
The misuse of alcohol can lead to immense harm and we want to make sure that the great drinks we stock are enjoyed responsibly as part of a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about responsible drinking.
Disclaimer
While we endeavour to provide full and accurate information on our website, there may be occasions where producers have updated their recipe or failed to provide full details of their ingredients and processes. This may affect factors including the product style and allergen information, and we would advise that you always check the label and not solely rely on the information presented here. If you are at all uncertain about a product then please contact our customer service team before purchase.
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes
Tasting Notes by the Whisky Exchange
Nose
Intense and rich, with malted barley and gentle floral touches overcome by smoky notes.
Palate
Light and fresh, with toffee, vanilla and pear balanced by smoke and ashy touches.
Finish
Complex and long, with sweetness fading to leave dark and smoky flavours.
Tasting Notes by Rocky
Nose
An intensely rich nose of Shreddies and toffee with hints of violet. When left in the glass for a minute or two, smoky bacon notes were also apparent.
Palate
Fairly light in texture with notes of toffee, vanilla and pear joined by a hint of ash on the very back palate.
Finish
Light in intensity, but not in complexity. The sweeter notes from the palate end fairly quickly, leaving a delightful subtle finish of ash, tar and light peat.
Comment
Another excellent whisky for those who don’t like their Islay too peat-heavy. I tried this with some Cashel Blue cheese and as has been proven many times before, peated whisky and blue cheese are a match made in heaven.
Tasting Notes by Dave Broom for Whisky Advocate
Comment
Funny to think how recently Caol Ila was an Islay giant that was kept pretty much under wraps by its owner. These days it has cemented its reputation as the island's Mr. Consistent. This version shows its character the best, a nose that mixes seashore and grass with a distinct hint of smoked bacon. The peatiness isn't dominant, but flows through-out the palate, scenting, lifting and subtly changing the mix. A delicious oiliness makes it a great food whisky.
Score
89 Points
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Customer Reviews
(102 Reviews)
Softly smokey, with a hint of sweetness. Doesn't punch you in the face like some big smokey peaty ones which are a bit more Ron Swanson. But I've grown to quite like it for that. Very drinkable and affordable. Has become our house whisky.
Surprisingly good for its price. Nose - smokiness, floral, flowers, garlic. Complex. Taste - sweet, oily, smoky, medicinal. Good , very good, I am surprised.
I completely agree with Diageo that this malt is better for blending. It's good quality, as smoky as you'd expect, but overall it lacks complexity. After smoke the dominant character is spicy Jalapeño pepper, just a little fruity and very little sea notes. The aftertaste is pure Jalapeño pepper. Added a drop of it to Glenfiddich 12, it certainly added a lot of complexity. But as a solo sipper, I'd still prefer Ardbeg.
Smoky sweetness , lovely mouthfeel . Rich and complex, smooth not as robust as some other Islay drams but it is quickly becoming one of my go to drams.
Yeah, nah. Not really the one for me. A pleasant enough somewhat smooth whiskey. Dominant smoke but lacking overall complexity and anything like a robust body. A distinctly thin and somewhat medical/alcoholic feel in the mouth.
