Whisky Review/Tasting: Caol Ila Unpeated 15 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in 2000, matured in refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts, indicating a mix of ex-bourbon and possibly ex-sherry casks with minimal sherry influence left but significant European oak tannins.
Age Statement: 15 years.
Color: Pale gold with greenish tints, though the green may be influenced by the reviewer's green screen.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having fine, brief beading, suggesting good clarity. The bottle design specifics aren't detailed, but it's part of Diageo's special releases, which typically feature distinctive, collectible packaging.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex balance of fresh, fruity notes with underlying oakiness and spiciness, without the typical peat smoke associated with Islay whiskies.
Unique Characteristics: Notably unpeated for an Islay malt, showcasing flavors like green apple, toffee, malt, citrus, and eucalyptus, with a hint of oiliness typical of Caol Ila.
Comparison: This unpeated expression diverges significantly from the traditional, peaty character of Caol Ila and other Islay whiskies, offering a unique tasting experience that highlights the distillery's versatility.

Production Insights: The unpeated style requires thorough cleaning of the distillery equipment to remove any residual peat smoke. This process likely coincides with the distillery's maintenance period.
Historical Anecdote: The reviewer reminisces about the original 15-year-old Caol Ila from the Flora and Fauna series, noting its rarity and value today.

Islay's Distilling Tradition: The discussion touches on the historical necessity of using peat for distillation on Islay due to the high cost of coal, framing the unpeated Caol Ila as a departure from tradition.
Name Origin: "Caol Ila" is derived from the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, emphasizing the distillery's deep roots in the local landscape and culture.

"This is quite fresh for a 15-year-old. No smokiness at all. So this is the taste of Caol Ila which you typically do not have with a peated Caol Ila because all the smoke is covering those subtle aromas."
"Wonderful piece of work."

Caol Ila Unpeated 15 Years is a special release from Diageo, distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2016.
It showcases a unique, unpeated profile with fresh, fruity, and spicy flavors, diverging from the typical peaty character of Islay whiskies.
The whisky is matured in a mix of refill American and European oak casks, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
The production of this unpeated style is likely timed with the distillery's maintenance schedule due to the need for thorough cleaning.
The name "Caol Ila" reflects the distillery's geographical and cultural heritage on Islay.

Islay Whisky Enthusiasts: Those curious to explore a different side of Islay whisky, beyond the traditional peat smoke.
Scotch Whisky Collectors: Given its status as a limited special release, collectors may find this expression particularly appealing.
Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals seeking complex, nuanced whiskies that offer a departure from the norm, especially those interested in the interplay of traditional distillation methods with unpeated malt.