Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2024 Feis Ile Ruby Port French Oak 54.5%

Nose: 

A mellow nose with a little initial prickle; dry overall. Fruity top notes that recall a dry sherry are soon supported by rich, smoky notes that suggest smoked ham with a sweet and savoury barbecue sauce. In time, a light maritime note also emerges; the anticipated Caol Ila bonfire on the beach is complete, the whole aroma appetising and well-rounded. Smokier with a drop of water, and now with a suggestion of white wine vinegar.

Palate: 

A rich and smooth texture introduces a taste that starts sweet, then becomes more mouth-watering and saltier as considerable smoke starts to build. Overall, it’s big and mouth-filling, deliciously rich and bold. Chilli pepper spice spreads broadly over the palate, and that bonfire is smoky. Water increases the creamy mouthfeel and reduces the chilli-pepper somewhat.

Finish: 

Lengthy, with sweet smoke, a well-managed chilli pepper spiciness and a clean carbolic hint in the aftertaste. Sweetness and salt both come forward if a dash of water is added.

Caol Ila in the north of Isle of Islay was founded as far back as 1846 by Hector Henderson. The distillery is sited near Port Askaig overlooking the beautiful Sound of Islay which it is named after in Gaelic- ‘Caol Ila’.
Over the years the distillery changed hands numerous times and was subsequently bought by Distillers Company Ltd in 1927. In the early 1970’s there was a complete overhaul of the old buildings and six new stills were put in place then in 2022 a brand new visitors centre opened. 
Much of the whisky produced goes into the Johnnie Walker blends and a very small amount is kept aside for maturing as a Caol Ila expression. The single malt is mainly made with peated barley giving the final flavour profile that classic Islay taste. In the core range there’s the Moch with no age plus the 12, 18 and 25 year olds. Also in the range is The Distiller’s Edition which has a delicious muscatel finish