Caol Ila 12 years 2012 - 2024 First Fill Ruby Port Barrique

This 12-year-old Caol Ila, bottled by independent bottler Glaschu Spirits, is a unique Islay single malt that has spent its full maturation in a first-fill ruby port barrique. This combination of peated whisky and the rich, fruity influence of the port cask creates a special and complex flavour profile.

Tasting note

Nose

On the nose, the whisky offers a captivating blend of peat smoke, ripe red berries, and a hint of chocolate.

Taste

On the palate, intense flavours of peat, salty caramel, and juicy berries emerge, with an underlying sweetness of dark fruits such as plums and figs, which is accentuated by hints of oak and spice. The influence of the ruby port cask creates a layered sweetness that nicely balances the classic Caol Ila smokiness.

Finish

The finish is long and warming, with lingering peat smoke, red berries, and a subtle spiciness.

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.