Description

Caol Ila Distillers Edition Moscatel Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml              ABV: 43%              Age: No Age Statement                 Country: Scotland

The Whisky

Experience the legendary spirit of Islay elevated by the luscious sweetness of Moscatel wine with the Caol Ila Distillers Edition. This annual limited release takes Caol Ila’s signature clean, peated whisky and subjects it to a transformative second maturation (or ‘double maturation’) in Moscatel-seasoned American Oak casks. The result is a magnificent tension between the distillery’s intense bonfire smoke and the rich, grape like sweetness of the wine. A beautifully balanced and highly sought after expression for both peat lovers and cask finish enthusiasts.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A superb balance of peat smoke and sweetness. Clean, oily smoke, burnt matchsticks, and a hint of sea salt meet rich notes of dark grapes, blackcurrant jam, and a touch of honey.

Palate: The palate is smooth, medium-bodied, and complex. The initial wave of clean Islay peat smoke and a touch of tar is quickly enveloped by a luscious, syrupy sweetness from the Moscatel cask. Flavours of baked raisins, dried figs, and a touch of creamy vanilla emerge, creating a delightful sweet and smoky contrast.

Finish: A long, warm, and lingering finish. The sweet fruit notes recede gracefully, leaving behind the comforting warmth of dry peat smoke and a subtle maritime saltiness.

The Distillery

The name Caol Ila comes from the Gaelic ‘Caol Ila’ meaning ‘Sound of Islay’ which is the stretch of water which separates Islay from Jura. The distillery was founded in 1846 and has been very successful through its long history. The distillery draws water from the nearby loch which is surrounded by myrtle and heather. As did most distilleries it closed during the Great Depression from 1930 to 1937 and was reconstructed from 1972 to 1974. Juggling between old traditional methods and modern methods of using new technology. This distillery produces whiskies that have chocolate, citrus and floral notes as well as tangy and peaty, which is typical of an Islay whisky. A whisky critic once called Caol Ila ‘Mr Consistant’, how right they were. It always amazes us how they are able to create a large volume of spirit and always manage to mature the whisky to a perfect balance.