Home › SMWS codes › Code 53 › 53.439

SMWS 53.439: Caol Ila

“Saline smoky samphire” · Past release, no longer on sale
Saline smoky samphire - SMWS 53.439Sold outJul 2023
53.439

Saline smoky samphire

SMWS regionIslay
Age10 years
ABV60.1%
Caskrefill ex-bourbon hogshead
SpiritMalt Whisky
Distillery from SMWS code 53
DistilleryCaol Ila
RegionIslay

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 10 years.

“We were hit by the assertive, saline, smoky scent of buttered samphire, sea purslane and salted smoked limes next to a strong whiff of peat fire-grilled citrus and herb…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

SMWS 53.439 is a single cask of Caol Ila, in the Islay region, 10 years old, bottled at 60.1%, released in the Jul 2023 Outturn. Every Society bottle numbered 53.x is from Caol Ila.

How the price compares
At £75, this 10-year-old cost more than 26 of the 42 Caol Ila bottlings aged 8–12 released 2021–2025 that we hold. They ranged from £63 to £92.40, with a median of £69.
Shaded: their range · line: this bottleRelease prices, not adjusted for inflation

Specs, price and tasting-note extract from the SMWS. Full notes on smws.com.

About Caol Ila

Hidden in a cove above Port Askaig, gazing across the churning Sound of Islay to the Paps of Jura, Caol Ila (1846) is the island's largest distillery and the quiet engine-room of Johnnie Walker. On its own, though, it is a beauty: oily and cool, olive brine and lemon and a soft grey smoke. Diageo's.

More on Caol Ila and code 53 →

More from Caol Ila newest first

All 98 Caol Ila bottles →

Everything in the Jul 2023 Outturn →