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93 points

Caol Ila 35 year old (Diageo Special Releases 2018), 58.1%

A rare veteran bottling from Caol Ila, and the oldest of the 2018 Special Releases, this was aged in refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts. The nose is fragrant and inviting, with dried fruit, ginger, and beach bonfire. Vibrant tropical fruit on the palate, with cinnamon and developing brine-sodden peat. Bold fruit flavors along with white pepper and soft peat remain in the lengthy finish. (3,276 bottles) Collectible

Reviewed by: (Winter 2018)

91 points

Caol Ila Feis Ile Bottling 2013, 56.5%

Although aged in refill, then active hoggies, and finally sherry, there’s more smoke than oak here, a smoke like the aroma of a fire clinging to a tweed jacket. A note akin to wilting spinach gives way to more conventional strawberries and cream, but always mixed with seashore breezes. This is Caol Ila in deep and bold mood with green fig, banana, and a sweet center. Water gives greater integration. You might (just) be able to get this. Do it. (distillery only) £99

Reviewed by: (Fall 2013)

91 points

Signatory (distilled at Caol Ila) 1984, 54.7%

Clearly Caol Ila; it’s the way that the oily smokiness seems to lean into the nose, bearing with it wet oilskins, a barely smoldering wood fire, light seashore elements (drying crab shells), and very pure fruit, which then opens to classic smoked ham aromas. Retronasally, there’s a touch of green pea pod. The smokiness is more assertive than normal on the tongue, with olive oil, deep fruits, and a pine-scented juniper note. Another belter. (The Whisky Exchange only) £155

Reviewed by: (Spring 2014)

91 points

Caol Ila Unpeated 15 year old, 59.1%

Unpeated Caol Ila has become a staple in Diageo’s Special Releases program. This year’s expression was matured in a combination of refill and rejuvenated American oak barrels and bodega European oak butts. Fresh and spicy on the nose, with tropical fruit aromas. Creamy on the palate, with fruit-and-nut milk chocolate bars, plus notes of developing citrus. The finish is slightly earthy, with wood spices.

Reviewed by: (Winter 2018)

91 points

Single Malts of Scotland 10 year old (Distilled at Caol Ila) 2011, 61.9%

Dried peel and lemon oils meet the brisk arrival of earthy peat smoke aromas, pepper, and ground ginger. The smoke builds over roasted apricot, ripe gooseberry, and maritime notes of the tideline. The high strength is undeniable on the palate, with a wave of intense pepper sweeping away the initial dominant vanilla, golden syrup, and lemon flavors, finishing with barbecued stone fruit, ashy smoke, and dried fruit. A great pick. (U.S. exclusive; 612 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Fall 2021)

90 points

Caol Ila 12 year old, 43%

On the nose, fresh fish wrapped in bacon with a squeeze of lemon, cooked at a beach barbecue. Floral and allspice notes emerge. The palate is lightly oily, medium-peated, meaty, and softly spiced, with pineapple and melon. The finish dries, with more fruit and peppery peat. Balanced and inviting.

Reviewed by: (Spring 2020)

90 points

Caol Ila 30 year old (Diageo Special Release 2014), 55.1%

More smoke than is common from this distillery and age. The aromas are food-related: initially roast ham with caramelized sugars, then a clambake, then oven-roasted lobster. With water, a distinct whiff of the goat shed (nice, by the way). The palate is refined and mature, but with fresh fruits retained, with oak and smoke beautifully integrated. A mature Caol Ila in similar vein to the excellent (and significantly more keenly priced) 25 year old. (7,638 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Winter 2014)

90 points

Caol Ila 12 year old Feis Ile bottling 2012, 60.4%

Often overshadowed by other noisier neighbors, it is time to reconsider Caol Ila—and this is a fine place to start. Coming from a refill cask it has a nose of sweet crab, ham with cider glaze, and teasing maritime smoke. The palate mixes salt taffy with top-end peppery olive oil, allowing the flavors to cover the palate while the smoke rumbles along constantly before a salt-laden finish. Superlative balance. Find one of those 620 bottles! £85

Reviewed by: (Fall 2012)

90 points

Caol Ila Prima & Ultima 35 year old 1984 (Cask No. 5773), 50.8%

Sweet antiseptic, brine, new leather, and spice on the nose. The palate is lightly oily, with lemon juice, grapefruit, salt water, soft peat, and fish smoked on a beach barbecue. Smoky citrus fruits in the lengthy, gingery finish. Price is for entire Prima & Ultima Collection, of which this whisky is a part. (499 bottles) £20,000

Reviewed by: (Fall 2020)

89 points

Douglas of Drumlanrig (distilled at Caol Ila), Cask #6616, 1985 vintage, 25 year old, 53.9%

Soft and gentle (for Caol Ila, that is), thanks to the 25 years of aging. Plenty of creamy vanilla and honey to go with the malty foundation, along with coal tar, licorice root, and olive, with a hint of brine, juniper, unsweetened dark chocolate, and tobacco (cigars in a humidor?). Very nice. (A Julio’s Liquors exclusive.)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2011)

89 points

Mackillop's Choice (distilled at Caol Ila), 15 year old, 1990 vintage, 43%

Fresh and quite aromatic. Nice interplay between soothing malty sweetness and honest “naked” Caol Ila notes (in the sense that all the classic Caol Ila flavors are exposed-leafy smoke, tarry rope, salt & pepper spice, seaweed, and olive). An evolving whisky, with a phenolic, briny crescendo that lingers. Nicely done.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2006)

89 points

Signatory (distilled at Caol Ila) 1989, 43%

Pale gold color. Aromas and flavors of peat smoke, seaweed, lemon grass, olives, and green peppercorns. Medium bodied, and slightly oily in texture. Long, dry peat smoke finish. Caol Ila is an Islay dram that Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Bowmore fans must become acquainted with. Although distllery bottlings are not available here in the U.S., many independent bottlers offer it. This expression is young, vibrant, and exciting.

Reviewed by: (Winter 2000)

89 points

Gordon & MacPhail (distilled at Caol Ila), 14 year old, 1991 vintage, 46%

Finished in cognac wood. The cognac wood influence might dominate other whiskies, but the Coal Ila is big enough for challenge. If anything, it seems to contribute a silky elegance to what would otherwise be a brooding, bare-knuckled whisky;. It works nicely. Notes of germinating barley, vanilla cream, grape preserve, and peat bonfire, with a salty, smoky finish. (Available in the Chicago area.)

Reviewed by: (Summer 2006)

89 points

Cask 88 Unfiltered 13 year old 2007 (Distilled at Caol Ila), 57.7%

Like a smokin’ toffee apple, there’s a linear penetration of smoke piercing the rich scents of black cherry, toffee cake, peppercorn, clove, peppermint, and menthol. The refill bourbon hogshead has provided a silky mouthfeel of stewed apple, plum, toffee, and aromatic spices, crowned by a sledgehammer of cloves, falling back with damson skin, plain chocolate, and smoke to finish. (270 bottles)

Reviewed by: (Winter 2021)

89 points

Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength 2005 (distilled at Caol Ila), 57.3%

Aged in first-fill sherry butts, this cask strength vintage from Gordon & MacPhail features a nose which opens with savory ginger, becoming more fragrant, plus vanilla, fudge, and warm leather. Oily in the mouth, with ripe cherries, sweet spices, pipe tobacco, and new leather. Nutty and slightly earthy. Citrus fruit, dry spicy peat, and black pepper in the finish.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2017)

89 points

Caol Ila 12 year old, 43%

Funny to think how recently Caol Ila was an Islay giant that was kept pretty much under wraps by its owner. These days it has cemented its reputation as the island’s Mr. Consistent. This version shows its character the best, a nose that mixes seashore and grass with a distinct hint of smoked bacon. The peatiness isn’t dominant, but flows throughout the palate, scenting, lifting, and subtly changing the mix. A delicious oiliness makes it a great food whisky.

Reviewed by: (Summer 2012)

89 points

Caol Ila Unpeated 1997 17 year old (Diageo Special Release 2015), 55.9%

Aged in first-fill American oak, this shows a real brightness, crisp fruit, and some smoke—it’s not really unpeated—and wet grass, before moving into pear and tarragon. The palate is intense, with a hay note, then an almost fino sherry-like note before sashimi emerges. Reduced, there’s more of a soft flow, though there’s still a touch of green olive minerality. A steal at this price. Snap it up.

Reviewed by: (Winter 2015)

89 points

Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve, 59.6%

Caol Ila in unpeated guise. There’s no age statement, but what you get is a mix of the fresh and the mature: a vibrant attack with fresh Victoria plum, grapes, and a hint of oiliness. Give it time and the sensation is like afternoon tea at your auntie’s, with thickly-buttered scones dripping with honey or pineapple jam. The palate is equally sweet and gentle, and only needs a little drop of water to reveal light spice. A wee beauty.

Reviewed by: (Spring 2014)