Caol
Ila Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila Distillery, Port Askaig,
Isle of Islay PA46 7RL Scotland
Tel: +44 (0) 1496 302760 / Fax: +44 (0) 1496 302763
Viewer's Comments about Caol Ila
 Caol
Ila is the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, which separates
the island from Jura in one of the most remote and beautiful
parts of Scotland's West Coast. The distillery is situated on
the shores of the Sound, a spot originally chosen in 1846 partly
because of the clean water from Loch Nam Ban, which still provides
its main supply. And even today you can still watch the seals
in the Sound from the still room.
When you
sip this tempting, easy-drinking malt, well, at first you’d
know you were in Islay – but you might not know where.
Well-known whisky writer, Michael Jackson, pinpoints the smooth,
olive-like house style, calling Caol Ila™ ‘a wonderful
aperitif’.
Sniff the
air over a glass and smoky, sea-fresh aromas recall an age,
not so long ago, when fishing and cutting peat were the traditional
occupations in these parts. Few men make a living cutting peat
on the island today, but the old traditions live on in the skills
of our distillery workers and in the ingredients they still
use at Caol Ila.
 ‘Caol
Ila™ has remained undiscovered by many. However, its deserving
rise in popularity saw the release of three new age statements
in June 2002. This malt is a fantastically balanced Islay with
juniper and wet grass/light salt fish subtleties.’ David
Broom, whisky writer and expert.
Caol Ila is owned by Diageo.
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Courtesy of Caol Ila Distillery |
CAOL
ILA 12 YEAR
ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH |
Launched in
June 2002, this is a highly prized, hidden gem that continues
the traditions of Caol Ila™.
Strength: 43% ABV
Appearance: Pale straw.
Nose: Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of
bath oil and dentist's mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose,
with little or no trace of smoke. A little water raises almond
oil and old-fashioned oilskins; still a fresh fruitiness (lychees?),
a trace of olive oil, and after a while pot pourri or scented
hand-soap.
Body: Firm, smooth, light to medium.
Palate: Drinks well at natural strength; sweet
start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish.
Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel; with water light acidity, some salt
and still the sweeter notes. A complex balance of primary tastes.
Finish: Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly
sour finish.
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CAOL
ILA 18 YEAR
ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH |
A
wonderfully balanced Islay malt from an increasingly popular distillery.
If you haven't discovered Caol Ila™ yet, this hidden treasure
will show you why it’s in increasing demand.
Caol Ila summary Description title Descriptiion
Strength: 43% ABV
Appearance: Pale straw.
Palate: The taste starts a little sweeter than
the 12-year-old. Very pleasant, light-flavoured smokiness. A complex
balance of primary tastes.
Finish: Sweet-smokey, lingering finish.
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CAOL
ILA 25 YEAR
ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH |
Much sought
after by connoisseurs, this is the first limited annual release
from the original distiller's remaining stocks. The oldest bottling
ever offered by the distillers with only 6,000 numbered bottles
worldwide.
Strength: 59.4% ABV
Appearance: Bright full gold.
Palate: Sweetly floral, pine nuts, honey, medicinal
and very maritime. Acidity and saltiness, with some centre palate
fizz. Wicker chairs and embrocation.
Finish: Plenty of smoke in the medium to long
finish, leaving a lingering, dry, barbecue aftertaste. Sustained
and mustardy. |
Caol
Ila Distillery
Caol Ila Distillery (pronounced 'cull-eela') is situated on
the north eastern shores of Islay, with magnificent views across
the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. For more
than 100 years small coal-fired “puffers” (boats)
like the SS Pibroch brought barley, coal and empty casks to
the Caol Ila distillery, returned with whisky through the sound
that divides Islay and Jura. Although the 'puffers' no longer
exist, the barley is still malted locally at Port Ellen and
the pure spring water still rises from limestone in nearby Loch
nam Ban.
That tradition has passed. And other changes have taken place
– like when the old distillery became outdated and was
replaced by a new, £1 million building in 1974. Craftsmen
faithfully reproduced the six stills from the original design
to ensure the distinctive quality of Caol Ila™ remained.
Of course,
not everything has changed. The barley used here is still malted
locally at Port Ellen and pure spring water still rises from
limestone in nearby Loch nam Ban, then falls to the sea at Caol
Ila in a clear crystal stream, just as it always has. Their
offspring is a fine-ageing malt reserved in oak casks for up
to eighteen years.
Talk of
offspring brings us to the descendants of generations past who
keep traditions alive. Billy Stitchell is the manager of the
distillery and has worked there for years. As did his father,
both his grandfathers and his great-grandfather – their
unbroken line is proof that traditions matter round here - all
the more valuable, now that eleven men do work once done by
thirty-two.
The
result of their craft and skill is an easy-going single malt
whisky of dry, sea air aromas and pleasing smoky-smoothness.
Anyone who visits this magical island soon finds that Islay
is home to some of the great malt whiskies. Caol Ila™
is certainly one of them, whose discovery is one of life’s
great pleasures.
Opening
Times
Caol Ila is open to the general public on selected days between
March & October - by appointment only.
Admission
£4.00 - This charge includes a discount voucher which
is redeemable in the distillery shop towards the purchase of
a 750ml bottle of single malt whisky.
Contact Us
Caol Ila Distillery,
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay
Tel: +44 (0) 1496 302760
Fax: +44 (0) 1496 302763
Email: Caol
Ila Distillery
Site
Operations Manager: Billy Stitchell |
Courtesy
of Caol Ila Distillery |
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