Caol Ila 21 Years 2002 - 2024 #14600104 Collection Foundations

The Caol Ila 21 Years 2002 - 2024 (#14600104) is a unique and rare whisky, bottled by renowned independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail in their Connoisseurs Choice series. This particular bottling was made in collaboration with La Maison du Whisky and is part of their exclusive Collection Foundations.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose first reveals subtle smoky notes, typical of Caol Ila, with influences of peat, but not overly powerful. This smokiness is complemented by a fresh sea breeze, iodine and hints of saltiness, typical of a maritime whisky. After a brief waltz, deeper layers of vanilla, honey and candied lemon open up, with a hint of white pepper and a slight floral touch.

Taste

On the tongue, the smokiness emerges more strongly, but remains refined and elegant, not dominant. The peat has a sweeter, almost oily quality, which goes perfectly with notes of ripe citrus such as lemon and tangerine. There are also layers of toasted almonds, baked apples and a hint of dark chocolate. The influence of 21 years of maturation in a carefully selected cask provides a nice balance between the complex smoke and sweet, fruity notes.

Finish

The finish is long and warming, with a lingering cloud of smoke that gently fades, along with a touch of sea salt, toasted oak and a hint of spicy ginger. A slight minerality is present, keeping the mouthfeel fresh until the end.

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.

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is one of the most respected and influential independent bottlers in the whisky world. With a history dating back to 1895 and a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, the company has played a key role in the development and popularisation of single malt whisky. Their extensive portfolio, ranging from rare old whiskies to unique expressions from well-known distilleries, makes Gordon & MacPhail a favourite among whisky collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

History

Gordon & MacPhail was founded in 1895 by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail. It began as a grocery shop in Elgin, selling a wide range of products, including tea, coffee, wine, and spirits. Soon the company focused on whisky, starting by bottling single malts, and one of Gordon & MacPhail's most important contributions to the whisky industry was their vision of maturing whiskies over long periods of time. While many distilleries focused on producing whisky for blends, Gordon & MacPhail saw the potential of single malts and began storing whiskies in their own casks for long-term maturation.