{"title":"Caol Ila Distillery | Islay","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Coal_Ila_Distillery_Banner.jpg?v=1776957211\" alt=\"Caol Ila Distillery on Islay\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf most Islay whiskies are a heavy woollen jumper, \u003cstrong\u003eCaol Ila\u003c\/strong\u003e is a crisp linen shirt. Hidden away in a quiet cove on the northeast coast of the island, overlooking the dramatic Paps of Jura, this is Islay’s \"hidden giant.\" While it produces more spirit than any of its famous neighbours, it remains a connoisseur's secret—a malt that values balance and elegance over brute force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signature style here is unmistakably coastal. Unlike the thick, medicinal smoke found elsewhere on the island, Caol Ila offers a much lighter, fresher peat. It tastes of the sea—think salty air, lemon zest, and a gentle, bonfire smoke that drifts rather than dominates. It is often described as the most \"drinkable\" of the peated malts, making it a perfect entry point for those looking to explore Islay without being overwhelmed by a \"peat bomb.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its incredibly consistent quality, Caol Ila is a darling of independent bottlers. While the \u003cstrong\u003e12-Year-Old\u003c\/strong\u003e remains the gold standard, our collection often features rare and unique expressions that showcase just how versatile this spirit can be—from sherry-cask finishes to raw, cask-strength powerhouses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are sipping it by the fire or enjoying it with a platter of fresh seafood, Caol Ila represents the sophisticated, maritime soul of Islay.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"caol-ila-moch-single-islay-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Caol Ila Moch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf the standard 12-year-old is a coastal walk at midday, Caol Ila Moch is that first breath of cold, salty air at daybreak. This is the first bottling from the distillery to move away from a traditional age statement, focusing instead on a specific \"flavour profile\" that captures the absolute freshest side of their spirit. It is a remarkably clean and \"straight\" whisky. Without the extra years in the wood to add heavy oak or spice, the raw beauty of the Caol Ila distillate is allowed to shine. It starts with a burst of lemon zest and crisp green apples, quickly followed by that unmistakable \"Caol Ila\" puff of bonfire smoke. Because it’s bottled at 43%, it feels incredibly light on its feet—oily and mouth-coating, but never heavy. The finish is dry, smoky, and very refreshing. It’s the kind of dram that cleanses the palate and leaves you wanting a second sip. If you find some Islay whiskies a bit too \"boggy\" or intense, Moch is the palate-cleanser you’ve been looking for. [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA fresh, approachable Islay malt selected for its clean citrus character \u0026amp; gentle maritime smoke...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coal Ila","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40172835995715,"sku":"NVCOALILAMOCH","price":62.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/CoalIlaMoch.jpg?v=1662572806"},{"product_id":"gordon-macphail-connoisseurs-choice-caol-ila-single-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Gordon \u0026 MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eWhen the expertise of Gordon \u0026amp; MacPhail meets the pedigree of a Super Tuscan red wine, the result is nothing short of spectacular. This 2009 vintage Caol Ila has spent 13 years maturing, with a crucial final two years in casks that once held the legendary \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"256\"\u003eSassicaia\u003c\/b\u003e wine. If the standard Caol Ila is a fresh Atlantic breeze, this \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"58\"\u003eConnoisseurs Choice\u003c\/b\u003e edition is that same breeze blowing through a sun-drenched Italian vineyard. The wine finish doesn't just add sweetness; it adds a sophisticated layer of complexity. You still get that signature gentle bonfire smoke and lemon peel, but it’s now woven with aromas of dried figs, cured meats, and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, it’s a brilliant tug-of-war. The sharp, smoky maritime character is balanced by rich redcurrants, forest fruits, and a warming cinnamon spice. It’s oily, rich, and carries a long, peppery finish that keeps the fruit and smoke in perfect harmony. With only 3,550 bottles produced, this is a rare opportunity to taste what happens when Islay smoke goes on a very fancy Italian holiday. [#intro]A sophisticated fusion of Islay smoke and Super Tuscan wine, finished in prestigious Sassicaia casks...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gordon \u0026 MacPhail","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40353878507587,"sku":"G\u0026MCOALILASASSICAIA","price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/G_MCoalIlaSassicaiaCask.jpg?v=1672322649"},{"product_id":"caol-ila-islay-single-malt-scotch-whisky-the-distillers-edition","title":"Caol Ila Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky The Distillers Edition 2022","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIf you find the \"medicinal\" side of Islay a bit too much, the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"62\"\u003eCaol Ila Distillers Edition\u003c\/b\u003e is your sanctuary. This 2022 release takes that classic, elegant coastal spirit and gives it a second maturation in \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"206\"\u003eMoscatel\u003c\/b\u003e casks—a sweet, fortified wine known for its incredible floral and honeyed aromatics. The result is a masterclass in subtlety. On the nose, you still get that wonderful Atlantic sea-spray and gentle peat smoke, but it’s now joined by notes of dried apricots, orange blossom, and a drizzle of honey. On the palate, the smoke is even more integrated; it tastes less like a \"fire\" and more like a toasted marshmallow enjoyed on a beach at dusk. It is a remarkably rich and oily dram. The sweetness of the Moscatel doesn't hide the peat; instead, it acts as a soft cushion for the salt and smoke to land on. It’s a sophisticated, \"after-dinner\" style of Islay whisky that proves smoke can be incredibly pretty when it wants to be. [#intro]A sophisticated Islay malt, where gentle bonfire smoke meets the honeyed, floral sweetness of Moscatel...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Coal Ila","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41301107277891,"sku":"A22COALILADISTILLERSED","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CoalIlaDistillers2022BT.jpg?v=1750497252"},{"product_id":"caol-ila-12-year-old-islay-single-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Caol Ila 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIf you’re looking for the definitive \"maritime\" malt, this is it. Caol Ila 12 is often the unsung hero of the Islay world; while its neighbours are busy shouting about how smoky they are, Caol Ila quietly gets on with being one of the most balanced and sophisticated drams on the island. This is a whisky that tastes like a brisk walk along a pebble beach. The smoke is there, certainly, but it’s a gentle, fragrant bonfire smoke rather than a heavy, medicinal punch. It’s beautifully lifted by a bright hit of citrus - think fresh lemon peel - and a distinct oiliness that coats the tongue. Because the distillery overlooks the fast-moving waters of the Islay Strait, there is a constant, underlying saltiness that keeps everything feeling crisp and clean. It’s incredibly versatile. It’s light enough to be an aperitif, yet complex enough to hold its own at the end of a long evening. If you want a peated whisky that feels like a breath of fresh Atlantic air, this is the one you pull from the shelf. [#intro]Fresh, smoky \u0026amp; salty. The perfect introduction to Islay for those who value coastal elegance...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Caol Ila","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56270777352573,"sku":"COALILA12YEAROLD","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/CoalIla12YOBT.jpg?v=1750496245"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Coal_Ila_Collection_Image.jpg?v=1776957393","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/caol-ila.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}