Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
- Distillery
- Caol Ila
- Region
- Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Type
- Single Malt
- ABV
- 53.1%
- Age
- 10 years
- Price
- £75.95
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Medicinal, Oily, Toasted, Citric
- Description
- Murray McDavid's 10-year-old Caol Ila splits its maturation between six years in traditional bourbon casks—building coastal peat and maritime salinity—and four years in spicy American rye wood. The hybrid approach creates a distinctive profile: smoky Islay peat tempered by rye spice, caramel sweetness, and a briny undertone that recalls seaside atmosphere. The interplay of peat smoke and rye fire creates a complex, warming finish. This suits drinkers seeking Islay's signature character with an unconventional edge.
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Different style alternatives to Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old — The Antiquary, £84.9, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Sherried, Dried Fruit, Tobacco
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- Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021 — Scallywag, £49, 5.0★ · Sherried, Chocolate, Dried Fruit, Honey

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✦ Neatly Summary
Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is a 10-year-old single malt from Caol Ila (Islay, Scotland), bottled at 53.1% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, vibrant and fruity and peaty character — smokey, medicinal, oily, toasted. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A premium pour worth the price.
Murray McDavid's 10-year-old Caol Ila splits its maturation between six years in traditional bourbon casks—building coastal peat and maritime salinity—and four years in spicy American rye wood. The hybrid approach creates a distinctive profile: smoky Islay peat tempered by rye spice, caramel sweetness, and a briny undertone that recalls seaside atmosphere. The interplay of peat smoke and rye fire creates a complex, warming finish. This suits drinkers seeking Islay's signature character with an unconventional edge.
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