Caol Ila 2012 SV 100 Proof - Edition #70

Very impressed by this malt, not over sherried and the smoke is impressive. A little water and it opens up to another level.

I like it a little better with water.

A enjoyable and very drinkable Caol Ila. I call this one a ‘islay-lite’ and is well balanced with the smoky, meaty and salty character. The high ABV is not overbearing but enhances the whisky.

A fine example from the SV 100 Proof series. Not very complex, but well-rounded and flavorful. Adding a little water makes it more elegant without diluting it. Good value for money.

Of course, you can also buy Caol Ila as an official Diageo bottling. It costs just over €40 and comes at 43% ABV, featuring chill filtration and coloring. How wonderfully thoughtful of Diageo! For just under €5 more, you can get it uncolored and without flavor-robbing filtration, at a robust 57.1% ABV. This comes from Oloroso sherry butts and refill hogsheads in the Signatory 100 Proof Edition. It's really a no-brainer which Caol Ila is preferable. glen-efze.de

As always, Caol Ila from the 100 proof series confirms and is a guarantee of quality. Brine and smoked meat with added sea salt with the sherry sweets. Well balanced with long finish.

This 2012 Caol Ila is from Signatory Vintage's 100 Proof Edition #70 and was bottled at a robust 57.1% ABV after 13 years. It was matured in first-fill and refill Oloroso sherry butts as well as a refill hogshead. In the glass, it initially displays a pleasantly maritime and smoky character. Salty sea breeze and peat smoke mingle with lemon, yellow fruits, and apricots, while roasted nuts add a more bitter note. On the palate, it becomes sweeter: dark berries combine with peat smoke, oak, and citrus notes. A slightly earthy, rustic character adds to the whisky's appeal. The finish is medium-long and becomes increasingly dry, leaving behind spicy oak, peat smoke, and herbal notes. All in all, this is a characterful, smoky Caol Ila that combines maritime and fruity elements with a spicy, dry edge. It doesn't come across as overly complex, but offers a coherent overall impression and is enjoyable precisely because of its slightly gritty, tart character. The 57.1% ABV gives it considerable substance without overshadowing the smoky and fruity notes.

Incredible what this whisky can do. A maritime, salty bacon note, with smoke. Can be enjoyed neat very well; the alcohol is superbly integrated. So, for a low price, a top-notch whisky without any flaws.

aroma: delicate, wine-like, sour taste: mild, flatter, smoke, dark fruit in the background I wouldn't guess smoke from the smell, the taste is better, but hmm I don't know

For the price, it's a real find; it's well-made and shows neither youthful, immature, metallic or alcoholic harsh notes, and is therefore also good to enjoy undiluted.