The mildest of the Diageo peated whiskies I've had so far. Definitely not the campfire peat monsters of Ardbeg, or the distinct maritime peat of Talisker, or the more medicinal peat of Lagavulin... The peat here comes off as sweet and aromatic, almost like incense. The body seems to be the lightest of the lot too (comparing apples and apples), although it's hard to say without seeing them all next to each other (definitely lighter than the Ardberg and even Glen Elgin here). Palate flavours are subtle in the Caol Ila, but citrus notes come through clearly. Finishes a touch short with a sort of grassy earthy quality that I quite enjoy. Not a blockbuster whisky, yet I find it quite drinkable.
NB: Better mixed 1:1 with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Seems to balance out the extreme smoke of the Ardberg, drawing out lovely saline notes.
The mildest of the Diageo peated whiskies I've had so far. Definitely not the campfire peat monsters of Ardbeg, or the distinct maritime peat of Talisker, or the more medicinal peat of Lagavulin... The peat here comes off as sweet and aromatic, almost like incense. The body seems to be the lightest of the lot too (comparing apples and apples), although it's hard to say without seeing them all next to each other (definitely lighter than the Ardberg and even Glen Elgin here). Palate flavours are subtle in the Caol Ila, but citrus notes come through clearly. Finishes a touch short with a sort of grassy earthy quality that I quite enjoy. Not a blockbuster whisky, yet I find it quite drinkable.
NB: Better mixed 1:1 with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Seems to balance out the extreme smoke of the Ardberg, drawing out lovely saline notes.
Jun 20th, 2021
In-House, Corporate holiday party...
Hot nose, campfire on the palate, actually very attractive.
In-House, Corporate holiday party...
Hot nose, campfire on the palate, actually very attractive.
Dec 20th, 2019
Nightcap. Islay.
Aug 3rd, 2017
Dark copper. Pronounced aromas of rich peat, wet earth, dried apricots, and campfire smoke. Round mouthfeel, with additional velvety notes of wet grass, caramel, and toffee. Ocean spray, iodine, and hints of seashells round out the finish. Long, luxurious.
Dark copper. Pronounced aromas of rich peat, wet earth, dried apricots, and campfire smoke. Round mouthfeel, with additional velvety notes of wet grass, caramel, and toffee. Ocean spray, iodine, and hints of seashells round out the finish. Long, luxurious.
1 person found it helpfulMay 6th, 2016
The only islay whisky of the evening. My first time trying this one and this is now a favorite. Very elegant style and one of the less peaty and smoky Islays.
The only islay whisky of the evening. My first time trying this one and this is now a favorite. Very elegant style and one of the less peaty and smoky Islays.
1 person found it helpfulJan 25th, 2015
Very saline version of an Islay. Softer than most young scotch, but very full and clean. Great.
Very saline version of an Islay. Softer than most young scotch, but very full and clean. Great.
1 person found it helpfulJan 11th, 2015
Salt water brine, kelp, graceful and flavorful malt... gorgeous Islay, plain and simple.
Salt water brine, kelp, graceful and flavorful malt... gorgeous Islay, plain and simple.
May 6th, 2017
More than a smidge of peat
More than a smidge of peat
Jul 31st, 2015
Smoky meat, salty BBQ, delicious.
Smoky meat, salty BBQ, delicious.
Dec 13th, 2014
Islay, Scotland, United Kingdom
