Caol Ila Whisky – 1996 Distillers Edition
Caol Ila, The Distillers Edition, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Distilled in 1996 and Bottled in 2009, Double Matured in Muscatel Cask Wood, 43% Alc/vol 70cl
It is early on Thursday 16th September 2010 and Nicola is off to Las Vegas tomorrow for a wee bit of business and some relaxation, (is Jim jealous or what?) and Jim has one of his birthday gifts open for a wee tasting.
This is a tasting that Jim is well looking forward to, Islay being his favourite.
Built in 1846, Caol Ila is the largest of the Islay distilleries. With the majority of it’s production going for blending, but it’s single malts are fabulous.
Caol Ila (pronounced “Cull Eela”) is the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay.
Caol Ila Distillery,
Port Askaig,
Isle of Islay, PA46 7RL
Telephone: 01496 302760
Website: www.malts.com
Email: caolila.distillery@diageo.com
Owners Diageo
Part of the Classic Malts Range, you can view these also on the above website.
Now for a tasting extravaganza.
The tasting
Colour…bright pal gold
Jim’s Tasting
Nose…Rich and complex, peaty, fruits and spice, medicinal smokiness.
Taste… Quite earthy with smooth peat smokiness, this distilleries bonfires are on full heat, fruit and sherry steps in.
Finish…Long and smoky, quite drying, elegance in a glass.
Score… 4 Corks
Nicola’s Tasting
Nose…Sherry is in there, rich fruit, but too smokey for me.
Taste…Sweet to start with, then overpowered by the peat and smoke.
Finish…Complex with some herbs, medium to long finish, still cant get my taste buds around these heavyweight Islay’s
Score…2.5 Corks
Overall score…3.5 Corks
Again and again an Islay Single Malt that delivers on every level, you will be able to get a bottle of this Edition at the Distillery or any of the classic Malt Distilleries and certainly online, also at your specialist Whisky shops
We suggest you visit their website and enjoy a tour round the Classic Malts, and if you visit one of their distilleries or indeed by a bottle or three let them know that the Whisky Boys sent you.
