Amazingly complex flavors, a real treat! (Caol Ila 12 Year Old Whisky)

Member Name: andyoz

Product:	Caol Ila 12 Year Old Whisky
Date:	27/05/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Smooth and rich ,fantastic all round

Disadvantages: Quite expensive

A brand new, younger bottling of this malt, Caol Ila is a beautiful whisky. Not the heaviest of the Islay clan, but certainly one of the most beguiling.

Colour: Translucent white wine sort of look

Flavors: Salty bacon, medicinal flavors, a hint of flowers and oak. Warm and, in a good way, demanding. Very peaty, barbecue and more trace of iodine. Also has hints of smoked fish and barley. To be honest, its a bit of everything!

Overall would have to say alot of flavors and they changed often. First you taste a lot of smoke and then the sea comes in then its Smoked kippers Salt. Sweet candy, barley grass and then ten minutes later sweet, salt, floral. This one was very complex for me but I did like it alot but then I love the Islands. (Especially ISLAY.) Think this has to be my second fav behind Ardbeg, there are just so many flavors to explore!

A few drops of water and some patience provide a more balanced (and complex) taste and more peppery finish while not squelching the nice licorice afterbreath. You tend to find this with many whisky's but would say especailly so with this one.

Price wise it is not cheap. I paid £28 for a bottle. You may be able to find it cheaper but as this is not one of the best known whisky's it does not tend to be on offer, so you will probably be looking at paying full price more often than not! Value is not bad, as this is such a nice Whisky and although it is more expensive than most it does tend to be worth paying that little bit more for.

If your into Smokey, Petey whisky's this one could definately be for you. One of the finest Islay malts and will always be one of my favorties. I would definately recommend this to anyone!

Summary: If you like Islay Malts, you simply must buy this one!