Caol Ila 18 Year

I spent the last year or so trying to complete a nice collection of Caol Ila's core bottlings. I've invested a lot in the 25, 30, and 35 year old expressions. When I saw this 18 year old online for $84, I chuckled. I figured it was priced similarly to Talisker, which seemed like a great deal. A few weeks back, out of pure curiosity, I decided to open this bottle. This was prompted by purchasing a second bottle recently – you don't casually break up a core range set, you know. What a fantastic decision that turned out to be... Don't confuse this Caol Ila with the annual, limited edition made from unpeated malt. This is the genuine, peated 18 year old from the core range. It's bottled at 43% ABV and includes added color and filtration. This specific bottle was filled in 2008. It has a beautiful sunset gold hue and looks quite oily, with thin, fast-moving legs and large, watery droplets clinging to the glass. The aroma starts with a gentle smoke, reminiscent of barbecue meat. There's a wonderful burst of ripe orchard fruits, as if stewing in sherry. You can also detect a hint of salty sea air wafting from the glass. None of these scents overwhelm the others; they are remarkably polite, allowing each to have its moment. Spend some time with this whisky and let it work its magic, as it's incredibly rewarding. The taste begins with significant sweetness. Apples, pears, and similar fruits coat the tongue, followed by a rich, smoky peat. Orange marmalade and light citrus notes emerge to cut through the smoke and thick texture, just in time to reveal juicy, freshly picked berries dipped in sea salt. The smoke reappears, preventing the flavors from becoming overly tart or dry. This is the most enjoyable part of the dram – it's simply wonderful. The finish integrates all the elements experienced thus far: sherry sweetness, orchard fruits, and smoke. The lingering notes include hints of menthol before leaving a mild, peppery aftertaste. Ultimately, this malt has earned a spot in my all-time Top 3. I anticipated a good drink and was utterly amazed by this bottle. I even opened the Caol Ila 25 as I neared the end of the 18 year old, curious if seven more years would yield something even more spectacular. Unfortunately, it didn't improve on anything, and I'll readily admit the 18 is a superior dram to the 25 year old. In fact, I'd go as far as to say this is hands down the best 18 year old whisky I've tasted so far. It's better balanced than Highland Park 18, more refined than Macallan 18, subtler than Talisker 18, and fruitier than Lagavulin 16. It's remarkably close to perfection. Considering the price tag under $90, you absolutely can't go wrong. Seek out a bottle or a bar that has one open (DO NOT CONFUSE IT WITH THE UNPEATED VERSION) and experience it yourself. It's a perfect harmony of sweet, salt, and smoke. Five perfect stars, my friends. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Cheers.

Appearance: Deep copper. Swirling shows a thick coating on the glass, with slow-forming legs. Nose: Fresh pineapples, bacon, smoke, dried apricots, and a hint of brown sugar. Palate: The flavor is gentle and delicious, not attention-grabbing. Cereal and oranges are prominent, with some peaches and a whisper of dark chocolate. No smoke on the palate; it appears on the finish. Finish: A pleasant, long finish that unfolds gradually. The smoky flavor is subtle, accompanied by black pepper, honey, and just enough briny saltiness to moisten the mouth and encourage another taste. With Water: A drop of water enhances sweetness on the palate and accentuates the pepper flavor in the finish. Overall: A sophisticated dram suitable for special occasions, offering a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. The only desired change would be a higher alcohol content. A memorable purchase from a trip abroad, hoping to find it domestically someday.

The aroma is quite inviting, soft, with the sharp and sulphurous peat initially standing apart, making way for apricot, peach, vanilla, orange zest, a hint of hazelnut and licorice. A fresh and herbal profile is clearly present. As time passes, the peaty component increases without being overpowering, with a pleasant salty note. Very subtle, age has made the whisky decidedly mature and tranquil. On the palate, it upholds its gentle character, while revealing a rougher side of leather and tobacco that merges with the fruity and herbal notes, more subdued thanks to the smoky and saline peat which becomes more prominent. Lots of licorice, a touch of honey, a bitter note of rhubarb, toasted wood. Full and cohesive. Medium finish, burnt wood, licorice, orange, hazelnut. A higher alcohol content would have given it more personality, and it's a pity because all the elements for a truly exceptional whisky are there, and maturation has significantly benefited the spirit. It remains a very enjoyable drink, but not quite unforgettable.

A favorite bottle I own is a 14-year-old cask strength single cask Caol Ila from G&MacP. I'd only sampled younger versions from their standard lineup, which weren't particularly impressive. I was curious to discover the potential of their premium standard range. Nose: Gentle peat, characteristic Caol Ila notes, a bit lacking in intensity but very pleasing, nice creamy vanilla, smooth, some fresh tree fruits, crisp baguette. Not overly complex, but enjoyable. Palate: Dry and mildly smoky, mellow with a pleasant tartness (apple juice), still creamy and smooth, butter cookies. Finish: Lightly ashy peat, still tart with a hint of sweetness, a great blend of peat, sweetness, and warmth. It seems a bit subdued, lacking the intensity one might expect. However, the aroma and taste are quite good. It appears Caol Ila truly shines at cask strength.

Nose: Salty with very subtle peat, slightly acidic and sweet. Excellent and not intrusive. Palate: Dense and oily, very light and delicate, not full-bodied like the 25-year-old. Confirms the saltiness and the very delicate peatiness. Velvety. Finish: Extremely long, with ash mixed with brine, possibly the highlight as it lingers indefinitely. A worthy successor to the 25-year-old. Rating: 4.75

Nose – Amazing! Elegant smoke mingled with coffee and cacao hints… candied lemon, citrus gumdrops, malt, ocean scents and marigolds. Palate – Wood, earthy notes, peat smoke, smooth dairy and rich chocolates, caramel, a light coating, but divine airy marshmallow, spice and nuts. Finish – Beautiful lengthy smoke… not overwhelming, unburnt, but not a bland ash finish – pleasant in the center… Adding water reveals pine and fruit on the nose. Palate – more chocolate to candy. Finish – dry spice. Nearly flawless. If it were 48% alcohol by volume, which would enhance the mouthfeel a bit, then it would get a perfect score. This drink's theme could also be described as nearly perfect... a certain song by a well-known band is a recent favorite of mine. Appreciate the return of a classic sound, and an incredible rhythm section.