Caol Ila 12 Years 2011 – 2023 #DL17166 – Douglas Laing Old Particular

This Caol Ila 12 Years, bottled by Douglas Laing for their renowned Old Particular series, is a stunning showcase of pure Islay character. Distilled in 2011 and matured in a single refill hogshead until 2023, this limited edition of just 327 bottles delivers a rare and characterful experience. Bottled at a gentle 48.4%, it offers the perfect balance of smoke, coastal freshness and fruity depth. A Caol Ila that blends smoky charm with finesse and elegance.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh sea air and gentle peat smoke lead the way, followed by notes of lemon zest, green apple, salty minerals and a touch of iodine and ash.

Palate

Lively and clean with flavours of roasted malt, soft peat, vanilla, citrus and white pepper. The refill hogshead allows the distillery character to shine without overwhelming oak.

Finish

Medium to long with lingering coastal smokiness, subtle spice, hints of smoked oak and a fresh citrus lift on the close.

Caol Ila Distillery

Caol Ila Distillery is located on the picturesque east coast of the island of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay, a strait that separates Islay from Jura. Founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson, the distillery has a rich history and is the largest distillery on Islay.

A specific feature of Caol Ila is the production of both peated and unpeated single malts. The distillery is particularly famous for its heavily peated whiskies with elegant, maritime influences. The whiskies often have a distinctive flavour profile with notes of smoke, sea salt, citrus, and a subtle sweetness.

Caol Ila traditionally uses copper pot stills and water from nearby Loch nam Ban. The whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which contributes to the smooth, balanced flavours.

With its unique combination of tradition, craftsmanship and distinctive flavour profile, Caol Ila remains a respected name in the world of Scotch single malt whisky.

Douglas Laing

Douglas Laing & Co. is one of the most respected independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1948 and a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, the company continues to offer whiskies of exceptional quality. Their broad portfolio, which includes both single cask and small batch releases, makes Douglas Laing a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it is a rare XOP bottling or a characterful blended malt like Big Peat, Douglas Laing offers a unique and authentic whisky experience.

History

Douglas Laing & Co. was founded in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing in Glasgow, Scotland. The company began as a dealer and blender of whisky, but soon focused on selecting and bottling single cask and small batch whiskies.

Douglas Laing has always remained a family business, with the knowledge and passion for whisky passed from generation to generation. After Fred Douglas Laing, the company was run by his son, Fred Laing Jr, and later Fred's daughter Cara Laing and her husband Chris Leggat also joined the company.