Caol ila 1992 9 Year Old Cooper's Choice

Caol Ila 9 yo Shieldaig Collection (1999/2008)

We bought this malt at Milano Whisky Festival, in 2010. N: this Caol Ila is pungent, the 43% are pretty aggressive. It's a bit tart, strongly peated rather than smoky. In the backdrop, but very covered, we find lemon notes and some vanilla, but it's all somehow hidden. P: pure sea. It's all played on peat, gentle but dominant, rather salty,...

Score 77/100

Caol ila 1995 Distillers Edition

This is my first review, but it's time I gave it a go. The color is a pale gold, rather beautiful, but unfortunately caramel-colored. There are very, very slow tears forming. On the nose we get some smoke, but mainly a citrus-like fragrance. On the palate the peat takes a step forward, but without dominating anything. The whisky turns to an oily...

Score 85/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Caol Ila is one of those distilleries that I wish had a broader lineup. I love the 12, and I wish I could explore the brand more. Diageo’s Islay whiskies tend to be pretty conservative about how much they release. With the 18 getting harder and harder to find, unless you’re getting a Distiller’s Edition or paying big bucks for an older bottling,...

Score 90/100

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1996 Chieftain’s Choice

135! That’s the number of different Caol Ila I have tried so far. And not five were not to my liking. They call Caol Ila Mr Consistent for a reason. And I have a (very) soft spot for this malt. So when I got the chance to try this youngling – bottled in 2012 already – I did not let it pass me by. Fresh and bright on lemon juice, oyster, a dried...

Score 86/100