Caol Ila 17 years 2007 - 2025 #6 Cask Strength Collection

Caol Ila – a name that instantly excites fans of smoky whisky. This 17-year-old single malt from Signatory Vintage’s Cask Strength Collection isn’t your average Islay dram. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2025 at natural cask strength, it comes from a single carefully selected cask that proudly displays its full character. This is Caol Ila in full maturity: layered, bold, and utterly captivating. A whisky to sip with reverence.

Tasting Notes

Nose

A stunning start of briny sea air, warm peat smoke, and a hint of lemon peel. Then come notes of wet rope, grilled pineapple, and a touch of leather. In the background, soft vanilla and roasted almonds linger gently.

Palate

Full-bodied and oily, with a powerful smoky opening. It evolves into roasted barley, dark honey, black pepper, and a delicate minerality. The smoke is ever-present but elegantly woven with citrus and a gentle spice of clove and star anise.

Finish

Long and warming, with lingering peat smoke that slowly transitions into salty liquorice, charred oak, and a touch of lemon zest. The finish clings like a fading bonfire – smoky, but soothing.

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.