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Caol Ila 12Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila

Caol Ila 12Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky

750ml

Sale price$95.00

Caol Ila (pronounced “cull-EE-la”) is considered to be the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malt whiskies and a reference for connoisseurs of Islay single malts the world over. The color of pale straw, Caol Ila 12 year offers fresh aromas of citrus, olive oil, and slight mint. With a light and smooth body, the palate starts with a sweet smokiness that evolves into honeyed green apple notes, sea salt, and hints of black pepper and dark chocolate. Best enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks, try it with savory dishes, such as olive tapenade on French bread or juicy, warm chorizo.

Ships in NY only

Whisky

Scotland, United Kingdom
Caol Ila 12Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 12Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky Sale price$95.00

Caol Ila

Tucked into a rocky bay near Port Askaig on Islay's northeastern coast, Caol Ila (cull-EE-la) has quietly been the island's largest producer since the 1970s, even as its name stayed under the radar for decades. Founded in 1846 by Glasgow businessman Hector Henderson and named for the Sound of Islay it overlooks — with the Paps of Jura rising across the water — the distillery spent most of its history supplying malt for blends like Johnnie Walker rather than courting single malt fame. That changed in 2002, when owner Diageo finally gave it a core range of its own.

Stylistically, Caol Ila stands apart from its heavily peated Islay neighbors: where Lagavulin and Laphroaig lean tarry and medicinal, Caol Ila's spirit is cleaner and brighter, a maritime, citrus-led smoke shaped by tall stills and water drawn from Loch nam Ban. Think sea spray and lemon zest over a gentle layer of peat — approachable, but still unmistakably coastal.