Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
- Distillery
- Caol Ila
- Region
- Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Type
- Single Malt
- ABV
- 59.1%
- Age
- 15 years
- Price
- £199
- Community rating
- 5.00 / 5 (2 ratings)
- Tasting notes
- Sherried, Honey, Vanilla, Fresh Fruit
- Description
- Caol Ila's 15-year-old unpeated release reveals the distillery's elegant, often-overlooked maritime character beneath the peat. Matured in refill and rejuvenated American oak hogsheads and ex-bodega European oak butts, this 59.1% ABV expression showcases sherry-forward sweetness, dried stone fruit, and briny coastal notes without the typical Islay smoke. The texture is rich and oily, with a long, complex finish balancing wine tannins and sea salt. A discovery for those who appreciate Caol Ila's architectural precision over its peaty reputation.
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Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) vs Highland Park 28 Year Old 1984 (cask 9968) - Director's Cut (Douglas Laing) — Highland Park, £228.43, 5.0★ · Smokey, Honey, Toasted, Old Wood
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Different style alternatives to Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) — Lagavulin, £250, 5.0★ · Smokey, Medicinal, Oily, Kippery
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✦ Neatly Summary
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is a 15-year-old single malt from Caol Ila (Islay, Scotland), bottled at 59.1% ABV. Expect vibrant and fruity, sweet and light oak character — sherried, honey, vanilla, fresh fruit. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Caol Ila's 15-year-old unpeated release reveals the distillery's elegant, often-overlooked maritime character beneath the peat. Matured in refill and rejuvenated American oak hogsheads and ex-bodega European oak butts, this 59.1% ABV expression showcases sherry-forward sweetness, dried stone fruit, and briny coastal notes without the typical Islay smoke. The texture is rich and oily, with a long, complex finish balancing wine tannins and sea salt. A discovery for those who appreciate Caol Ila's architectural precision over its peaty reputation.
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