Caol Ila 1989 21 Year Old Douglas Laing Directors' Cut Directors

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1997 Chieftain's

Ian McLeod, who market the label Chieftain's, vatted no less than six casks to realize this release of almost 800 bottles, all of them at drinking strength. Very soft and mineral nose with a sweetness. Vanilla, apples and pears. A slice of lemon. A touch of ashes, but really hidden. Some green herbs like parsley and thyme. Some wet earth. A bit of...

Score 83/100

Caol Ila 24 Year Old 175th Anniversary

My favourite distillery on Islay is celebrating its 175th anniversary in style, with a 24-year-old release at cask strength. The 3,000 available bottles were sold out in the blink of an eye and I unfortunately missed them. But luckily there is my whisky gabber Manny who was able to give me a sample. Hurrah! The nose is particularly maritime on...

Score 90/100

Caol Ila Moch

We tried this at the 2011 Feis Ile and bought a bagful of bottles, one of which we dropped as soon as we got home. Damn! Still, it means we had to drink the remains. Damn!! Nose: Like a peaty lemsip, quite floral with green apple and lemon skins. Taste: More lemon, coconut, artificial sweetener. Peat still feels very young. Light rum and raisin...

Score 83/100

Caol Ila Smoky Scot

Aceo Ltd is the company that took over Murray McDavid from Mark Reynier at the moment the Bruichladdich Distillery was sold off. They now release this 5 Year Old malt that listens to the name Smoky Scot and is very affordable: not even 40 EUR. They are happy to disclose that it’s a Caol Ila that matured on bourbon casks for five years. The nose...

Score 85/100