Caol Ila: every past SMWS bottling

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“We made a black forest ham sandwich, using our freshly whittled spurtle to toast the bun in a warm skillet, before adding a dressing of mayonnaise, dijon mustard, honey,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“Some of our more longstanding Panel members initially mentioned carbolic soap and coal tar shampoo, with others getting smoked papaya salsa, campfires and expensive…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“The Panel found this absolutely delightful, with an almost perfect balance between smoky and fruity aromas, yet at the same time delivering salty and maritime…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“After nine years in ex-bourbon oak, this was transferred into a second fill PX-seasoned barrique.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“The initial nose returned ripe banana bread munched by the seaside, gummy bears, and a gloopy dollop of manuka honey.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 14 years.

“Our Whisky Team has created a series of Two to One ultra-small batch bottlings to take you on a flavour journey you won’t find anywhere else.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“Our Whisky Team has created a series of Two to One ultra-small batch bottlings to take you on a flavour journey you won’t find anywhere else.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Looking at the colour, one Panellist’s thoughts went to cricket; the batsman came in and departed without troubling the scoreboard!…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“The Panel awoke on an old Scottish island ferry, with coal soot cascading over salted raisin purée, toffee sauce and lapsang souchong tea.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“The neat nose veritably bristled with sweet, natural tar extracts, then pure creosote, salted Dutch liquorice and the sweetest, richest of peat smokes.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 14 years.

“After 10 years in ex-bourbon wood, this was then transferred into a first fill port barrique – but regardless of that, the spirit (typically) transported us to an…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 14 years.

“The aroma transported us to the seaside with a salty breeze carrying smoked bacon, charcoal, smoked limes, rock salt and crisp fried chilli and lime whitebait.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 16 years.

“First impressions were of stirring a glass of fine red wine with a stick of peat that had been marinated in smoky barbecue sauce.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“The nose evoked the seashore – tarry driftwood, rock pools, seaweed and beach bonfires (sausage sizzle time) – with puffer boats in a harbour nearby.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“The neat nose bristled with carbolic acidity, brined green peppercorns, anchovy paste and crushed aspirin.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“We found an immediately classical and comforting profile full of pink antiseptic cream, gelatinous peaty notes and medicinal qualities such as gauze, mercurochrome and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“WHISKY WANDERERS   This year we’re celebrating Scottish whisky festivals differently with specially selected casks that defy traditional expectations.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“We imagined joining a barbecue on the beach with an array of shellfish just about ready for us to enjoy.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“We sat round a beach bonfire, with aubergines charring in the embers for some proper baba ganoush; while some of us thought there was maybe a sea battle going on in the…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 33 years.

“The Story    The Peat Plants Collection  is the first quartet in The Creators Collection.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 33 years.

“The sweet fragrance of hibiscus tea, violets and sticky heather honey found perfect harmony with the citrus zing of spruce tips and whisps of smoke from burning lavender…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“While this bottling might look similar to our first Hallowe'en release, looks can be deceiving!…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“You name it, we got it: bonfire on the beach, tarry ropes, smoked lobster tails, ash-covered camembert, honey, nail varnish remover and a hint of eucalyptus and sweet…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“The complex nose included fish boxes, tarry ropes, lemon peel and ash, smoked blackcurrant jam smeared on bandages, perfumed cigarettes stubbed out in treacle, and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“Serene, sublime, solitude, sunset, seaside and, yes, we almost forgot to mention sweet smouldering smoke.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“An amazing nose brought us black bun, liquorice, rum-flambaed pineapple and oysters with lemon and tabasco-pepper sauce, plus quaint hints of engine fan belts.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“A sticky blend of milk chocolate and toffee was dunked in treacle, encrusted with coal shards and placed under our noses.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“What a bouquet of aromas – teak oil, smoked walnut wine, sambuca with black liquorice flavour plus roasted pears, plums and peaches.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“We were at the beach, peat smoke wafting from a nearby smokehouse and sun-dried seaweed; the children had candy floss and ice cream chocolate wafers.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“The Panel were dismayed to encounter such a deliberately terrible whisky!…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“A powerful nose, the sweetness of honey-glazed baby back ribs combining with the scent of the sea, smoked oysters, clams and cockles made this a fascinating combination.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“Using burnt twigs we stirred coal tar and beech wood-smoked nectarines into a medicinal potion of chamomile and syrup.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“Our nose was greeted with peppercorns in a warm leather satchel, tucked away in the pocket of a waxed cotton jacket.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“Sugar-coated fennel seeds mixed with heather honey and teriyaki sauce before soaking into green moss and first aid bandages.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 15 years.

“Boom!…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Big smoky notes were married with a sweeter side and a hint of spice – imagine burning old fish boxes for a barbecue on the beach as you throw cloves, aniseed and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“Opening the door of the shack we are met with the smell of burning wood in the fireplace, burnt sugar and plate of smoked maple syrup cared bacon.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The nose evoked memories of gathering amber on the Baltic coast and peat smoke drifting through an Islay village, plus crispy bacon and lemon squeezed over grilled fish.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“A deep, kippery smokiness greeted the Panel at first nosing.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“The Panellists burned their plimsols at the end of term, extinguished the flames with a bucket of tar and camouflaged the resulting mess with seaweed, heather and salted…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 14 years.

“We just finished blowtorching a boozy Mexican chocolate mousse with burnt rum and a crusty sugar topping – sounds indulgent?…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“Lashings of leather, tar, camphor, burning pine cones and smoked teas – all sloshed down with pickled seawater, brisket burnt ends and root beer syrup mixed with…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 31 years.

“Like opening a hamper of succulent smoked shellfish, this is “the stuff that dreams are made of”, with a lot more smoke on the palate neat than expected from the nose.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 31 years.

“We imagined spring cleaning a manor house the old-fashioned way.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“The nose suggested wood smoke, chimney sweepings and burnt fruit cake, hoisin duck and grilled prawns with a balsamic glaze.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“First nosings suggested chocolate limes, sea salt and a roaring peat fire.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“We got a wealth of mentholated peat smoke at first nosing, then olive brine, pickling juices, cornichons drenched in natural tar resin and fir wood smouldering on a…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Limited to 1 bottle per member We played on the beach – buckets, spades, wet towels, bonfire, frankfurters and lobster – when a mermaid emerged dripping from the water,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Amidst the clear earth and falling autumn leaves we found flashes of green as olive oil and lime zest led us towards margarita cocktails topped with wood ash.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“We noticed the extremely pale colour, but don’t let that put you off.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 14 years.

“A big and highly polished nose that displayed notes of root beer syrup, window putty, aged PX sherry and rainbow sherbet.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 30 years.

“A haunting and evocative nose that brimmed with undulating and soft notes of seawater, green olives, red diesel, mercurochrome, Fisherman's Friends, eucalyptus throat…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“We all felt we couldn’t get any closer to the naked truth of what that spirit was like - savoury aromas of fresh extra virgin olive oil infused with smoky olive wood…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“Limited to 1 per member A very intense peat smoke to start with of burnt raisins soaked in TCP (antiseptic liquid), the scent of heavy bonfire smoke stuck in a wholly…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Limited to 1 per member  The nose combined smoke (‘peat smoke bubbled through vanilla water’) with oily and briny notes (lemon-scented olive oil, bacon fat, tinned tuna,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Limited to 2 bottles per member This one was virtually clambering out of the glass!…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Limited to 1 bottle per member An enticingly coastal start welcomed us with rock pools, beach bonfire ash and salty sea air before heavier aromas of tarry ropes,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Limited to 1 bottle per member Lobster sizzled on a grill as sea-spray splashed onto kelp and dusty ash from a beach campfire.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“Limited to 1 bottle per member A superbly satisfying mix of peat and sherry influence we thought.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Limited to 1 bottle per member A classic example – the nose evoked tug boat fumes and tarry ropes, raking out the morning-after fireplace, fresh bread from the oven and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Limited to 2 bottles per member This nose took us places – one to the Islay shore (breakers, beach bonfire ash, cooked prawns), another to Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Limited to 1 bottles per member Sweet roasted nuts and toasted oats merged with waxy orange skin and salted limes before maritime aromas floated to the surface to bring…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Limited to 1 bottles per member Industrial aromas bellowed from sooty ships funnels as heavy cranes unloaded containers of unmalted cereals, toasted pumpkin seeds and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 30 years.

“Limited to 1 bottle per member There was an initial youthfulness that led us astray.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member The nose indicated toasted marshmallows, strawberry toffee and fresh-made donuts, but also fish in a barrel and a railway workers’…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“Limited to 1 per member “Big and dirty” like heavily burnt sage sausages smothered in a smoky barbeque sauce, while on the palate a dynamite shrimp that Japanese…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Limited to 1 per member A surprisingly fresh and floral aroma greeted the Panel before the more familiar scent, a mixture of sandy beaches, salty sea breeze and the…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member Hefty coastal aromas of smoked kippers, fishing nets and seaweed merged with salted chestnuts and cashews as they toasted…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member A typical tropical day on Islay sitting on the beach late afternoon blowing up a beach ball with a peat fired barbeque roasting…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The nose opened with a punnet of red grapes sloshed with red wine vinegar.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member A big and uncompromising initial aroma of pickled ginger, black olives, smouldering silage and singed orange peel.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 8 years.

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member Shifting this from ex-bourbon wood to an oloroso hogshead after six years has produced an intriguing combination of flavours and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 29 years.

“Delicate and sweet bonfire smoke framed a scene of tranquillity as toasted pine nuts, hazelnuts and chocolate covered marshmallows bobbed in rock pools that reflected…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member Sniffing this, you could be underground in an old salt mine, with abandoned machinery – definitely a hard hat dram.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member A typically pin-sharp nose.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member One of the Panel members, who should know, commented ‘just like in a Russian banya’ (for you and me: a bathhouse with sauna, steam…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Limited to 1 per member The confected sweetness of Turkish delight and juicy fruit jellies combined with liquorice and wood ash as we reeled in a catch of smoked fish,…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“The panel identified this as an unusually perfumed and delicately aromatic example of this great Islay make.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 9 years.

“Bottle limited to 1 per member On the nose, balsamic acidity led to lemon over oysters, seaweed in rock-pools, wooden boats on a shingle beach, grilled whole prawns and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The initial aroma was full of fresh lime zest and juice.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 13 years.

“Instantly there’s a big hit of mercurochrome, germoline and petrol.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Standing on the seaweedy harbour a big grubby smoke genie twisted our noses and sprinkled us with black pepper, dried chillies and iron filings.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Strong maritime aromas of lobster pots covered with dried seaweed merged with charred marshmallows and toffee apples rolled in soot.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The nose was a modern art canvas of grey ash, flecked with green (peeled twigs, grass, green malt), but our contemplation was distracted by appetising smells of bacon…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“A myriad of aromas; peat smoke drifting towards the harbour, seared scallops and salted prawns, treacle tart, Big Red gum, Sudocrem and Olbas Oil.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“The nose was punchy, salty and smoky - a peat-fire hearth, wood shavings in a boatyard and something slightly medicinal; but also peanut brittle, nougat and custard…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

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

“Bottle limited to 1 per member This is a sensory trip down the rabbit hole – which turns into a chimney – you land on burnt sticks – a nurse applies Germolene, then…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Bottle limited to 1 per member What an aroma - herbal, salty seaweed at first, followed by smoked crab cakes and culminating in the sweet smells of frazzled bacon and…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 11 years.

“Bottle limited to 2 per member A lovely tingling, sweet peat smoke tantalised our nostrils, while ash, soot and the scent of refreshing lemon eucalyptus essential oil…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“This subtle nose starts with biscuity notes (jammy dodgers, blackcurrant tart, café noir) – then brine intrudes – rock-pools, barnacles on a yacht, a seaside picnic…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS

In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.

“This bottle is limited to 1 per member Ashy, pure, extremely briny and with a linear and blade-like peatiness.…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS