Founded in 1846 near Port Askaig on Islay by Hector Henderson, Caol Ila means 'Sound of Islay' in Gaelic. The freshwater supply was one of the reasons for its location, and water has been important in many ways ever since - a waterfall provided power for the barley elevators and pressure for the fire hydrants. Today, a new heat exchanger uses the sea to cool the hot process water before returning it to the condensers, where for many years all supplies arrived and drums left by sea, on a small coaster called Pibroch.
Nose: Powerful and incredibly aromatic, notes of chocolate, blackcurrant, heavy notes of leather, bacon. More delicate floral aromas of violet and lavender.
Mouth: oily on the palate, releasing peppery, Espresso and dark fruit aromas (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry, plum). A hint of aniseed punctuates.
Finish: Long and persistent. Aromas of hot sauce, coffee and black cherries.
Nose: Oban 14 Year Old whisky reveals aromas of dried fruit, honey and vanilla, with a hint of smoke. Feel: On the palate, there are notes of caramel, citrus and candied fruit, as well as a subtle salty touch characteristic of whiskies from the Highlands region. Finish: The finish is long and slightly spicy, leaving flavors of oak and peat on the palate.
Nose: Burnt honey, barley sugar candies, very rich and intriguing. Maraschino cherries burning on a campfire, or red apple peel alongside rich cigar smoke.
Mouth: Malty, rich with an intensity of dark red berries. Genuine notes of cherry and cranberry with a touch of spice.
Finish: More spice, but with a salty sea note right at the end… truly refreshing.
Nose: Annandale Man o'Words offers intense aromas of ripe fruit, caramel and vanilla. Mouth: On the palate, there are notes of nuts, cereal and cinnamon, with a hint of toasty oak. Finish: The finish is long and warm, marked by spicy notes and a light touch of smoke.
- Moscatel finish
Nose: Concentrated and clean, peaty, medicinal, rich in fruit, spicy and very fragrant.
Mouth: Medium-bodied. Malty sweetness reveals itself and precedes peat smoke, intense spice and cinnamon flavors.