Caol Ila 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Distillery
- Caol Ila
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £1250
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Oily, Medicinal
- Description
- Caol Ila's 12-year-old from the 1980s represents the distillery in its role as a classic blending malt, before it became celebrated for single-malt releases. The profile shows restrained peat smoke with briny maritime notes and a subtle sweetness from the ex-bourbon maturation. Medium-bodied with a clean, dry finish that demonstrates Islay's characteristic seaweed and salt without overwhelming richness. A window into how this workhorse malt contributed to some of Scotland's finest blended whiskies.
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- Caol Ila 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 — Highland Park, £999, 5.0★ · Smokey, Honey, Dried Fruit, Toasted
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Different style alternatives to Caol Ila 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Caol Ila 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition — Hibiki, £1200, 5.0★ · Honey, Sherried, Malt Extract, Fragant
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ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
Price
£1250
✦ Neatly Summary
Caol Ila 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a from Caol Ila (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, peaty and oaky character — smokey, oily, medicinal. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Caol Ila's 12-year-old from the 1980s represents the distillery in its role as a classic blending malt, before it became celebrated for single-malt releases. The profile shows restrained peat smoke with briny maritime notes and a subtle sweetness from the ex-bourbon maturation. Medium-bodied with a clean, dry finish that demonstrates Islay's characteristic seaweed and salt without overwhelming richness. A window into how this workhorse malt contributed to some of Scotland's finest blended whiskies.
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