Whisky Review/Tasting: Caol Ila 9 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky is from Caol Ila distillery, which is part of Diageo and contributes significantly to blended whisky brands like Johnny Walker and J&B.
Type: It is a single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky was distilled on December 19th, 2007, and bottled on February 2nd, 2017, making it a 9-year-old whisky. It was matured in hogsheads, likely refill hogsheads, given its light color.
Age Statement: 9 years.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is quite light in color, indicating minimal cask influence.
Bottle Design: The whisky is from Signatory Vintage's unchill-filtered collection, suggesting a focus on preserving the natural characteristics of the whisky. The bottle contains a mixture from two hogsheads, numbered 322298 and 299, with a total output of 468 bottles.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a harmonious balance of smokiness, citrus, and sweetness without any extreme edges.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its aromatic, pleasant smokiness and the absence of harshness. The smokiness is complemented by a citrus note, evolving from lemon to tangerine and clementine, with a hint of spiciness from the oak.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its pleasant smokiness and citrus notes might appeal to those who enjoy peated whiskies without the extremity of more heavily peated expressions.

Interesting Stories: The Caol Ila distillery's significant contribution to the blended whisky industry and its relationship with Diageo is highlighted. The narrative also touches on the distillery's history of selling casks to independent bottlers, with this particular bottling being among the first released to independents after a shortage.

Significance: Caol Ila's role in supplying peated whisky for blends underscores its importance in the Scotch whisky landscape. The mention of Port Ellen maltings, which supplies malt to Caol Ila, adds to the geographical and cultural context of Islay whiskies.

Opinions and Quotes: Horst Luening describes the whisky as "really, really good," praising its harmonious balance and mature yet youthful character. He appreciates the whisky's pleasant smokiness and absence of bitterness in the aftertaste.

Caol Ila 9-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, bottled by Signatory Vintage.
Matured in likely refill hogsheads, resulting in a light color.
Features a harmonious blend of smokiness, citrus, and sweetness.
Lacks harshness, with a pleasant, aromatic smokiness.
Part of Diageo, contributing significantly to blended whiskies.
Mature enough to avoid extreme youthfulness, yet young enough to retain strong peatiness.

Peated Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy peated whiskies but prefer a more balanced and less harsh profile.
Scotch Whisky Collectors: Collectors looking for independent bottlings from notable distilleries like Caol Ila.
Beginners to Peated Whisky: Newcomers to peated Scotch might find this expression a pleasant introduction due to its harmonious balance and lack of extreme flavors.