A limited edition offering from the Diageo-owned Islay distillery, the Caol Ila Distillers Edition is a refined and deep edition to the brand’s range. This is where the upmarket begins for Caol Ila and it offers something unique without losing the characteristics expected from the Whisky maker.
There is no age statement when it comes to the Distillers Edition, but we do know its 43% ABV and made from 100% malted barley–this much is obvious. What makes this bottling unique is that after maturing in American oak, it is then finished in Moscatel wine casks. That’s something you can expect to find across Diageo’s range of Distiller Edition Whisky offerings.
A concentrated and pure nose finds smoky peat mingling with aromas of rich fruit and spice. Sweetness and maltiness hit the palate first, then are absorbed by intense peat smoke and crisp flavors. Balanced and complex, it develops as it moves across the palate with a touch of cinnamon. The Moscatel cask is not over-evident, but provides a touch of sweetness and richness.
Serve Caol Ila Distillers Edition in a traditional whisky glass, with a little water. Of course, sipping neat is also an excellent option.
Pronounced “Cull Eela,” Caol Ila is Gaelic for the Sound of Islay, which separates the Island from Jura. It sits on the isle’s rugged eastern coast near Port Askaig, where it has been located since 1846. The distillery completely burned down in 1972, but was rebuilt and opened again in 1974. Currently owned by spirits giant Diago, it is the largest in both size and production of the eight distilleries scattered across Islay.
The distillery all produces a lighter Moch bottling, a 12 Years Old, an 18 Years Old, and a 25 Years Old, as well as a variety of other limited edition expressions.
Caol Ila Distillers Edition Ratings:
- Distiller: 4.23/5
- Master of Malt: 5/5