Founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson, Caol Ila is one of Islay’s most characterful distilleries, nestled on the rugged eastern shore overlooking the Sound of Islay and the Paps of Jura. Often hidden from sight yet rich in heritage, it continues to craft single malt whisky using traditional island methods. Locally malted barley from Port Ellen and pure spring water rising from the limestone of Loch Nam Burn shape Caol Ila’s refined style: lightly smoky, subtly maritime and beautifully balanced. Pronounced “Cull Eela,” the distillery remains a quiet treasure of Islay, offering whiskies that reflect the island’s spirit, landscape and long-standing craftsmanship.
Nez : Des notes de tourbe fumée et de sel marin se mêlent à des arômes fruités et vanillés. Bouche : Une bouche riche et complexe, avec des saveurs de fruits secs, de noisettes grillées et d'épices douces. Finish : Une finale longue et chaleureuse, laissant en bouche des notes de chocolat noir et de poivre noir.
Nose: A fresh sea breeze with salty notes leads the way, followed by soft medicinal peat smoke. Underneath lie hints of lemon zest, roasted almonds and a touch of wet stone.
Mouth: Full-bodied and powerful with a rich, oily texture. Smoke and sweet vanilla are beautifully balanced by roasted malt, black pepper and a hint of citrus fruit. A touch of menthol adds a refreshing twist.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering smoke, subtle spice and a mineral, slightly bitter edge that fades gracefully.
Nose: This single malt from Islay reveals delicate smoke mingling with sea spray, with citrus fruit quickly to the fore. Mouth: The peat is evident, unfurling a dry smoke that envelops orange biscuit flavours. Finis: With its pastry-like texture, is reminiscent of a lemon meringue pie that becomes subtly ashy. A whisky that is both fresh and deeply peaty.
Nose: Peaty, salty notes emerge, followed by hints of ripe fruit and vanilla. Feel: On the palate, this whisky reveals itself to be powerful with aromas of smoke and dried fruit, accompanied by a touch of honey and pepper. Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving lingering notes of peat, salt and dark chocolate on the palate.
Nose: Smoke and peat typical of the distillery, very balsamic, with notes of camphor and medicinal herbs, damp earth and leather.
Taste: Licorice, full-bodied, powerful, a little vegetal and tannic. Almost a little sweet, but a drop of water makes it immediately dry and reveals a fruitier character (orange and cherry) that complements the exuberant peat smoke and earthy notes.
Finish: Intense with notes of ash, soot and licorice. A note of eucalyptus.
Nose: Caol Ila's Port Askaig 100 proof offers intense aromas of smoke, peat and salt, typical of Islay whiskies.
Taste: On the palate, this 8-year-old single malt reveals powerful flavors of peat, dried fruit and marine notes, with a hint of black pepper.
Finish: The finish of this 57% alcohol whisky is long and warm, leaving lingering notes of peat and salt on the palate, for an intense and complex taste experience.
