CAOL ILA12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky | 43% vol | 70cl | Scotch Whisky | Peaty Whisky from Islay | Distinct Smokiness | Fresh | Sweetly Fruity & Smooth-Bodied

I gifted the Caol Ila 12 Year Old whisky, and it was an absolute hit! The recipient was thrilled, and after tasting it myself, I can see why. This whisky has a distinct smokiness that’s characteristic of Islay, balanced perfectly with fresh and sweet fruity notes.It’s smooth-bodied and makes for a fantastic sipping experience. The combination of flavors is well-rounded and truly enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or just starting to explore the world of single malts, this one is a must-try. I can’t recommend it enough!

I've tried quite a few malts recently as I've moved on from blended whiskies. This is by far the best of those that I've tried to far. It has a lovely rich, smooth distinctive flavour. A peaty flavour with just a hint of saltiness that suggests the sea air. Can be drunk neat very easily but I like a splash of water to open it up a little. Got this on an Amazon offer at just £37, which I think is excellent value for such a lovely malt.

I've been returning to this for years, it is probably my all time favourite. The standard bottling used to be 14 years, but the need to be profitable has reduced that a little. No matter, this 12 yo is still a sublime whisky that has been expertly balanced. It has a sweetness up front, is not too heavily peated and delivers a gentle whisp of smoke that lingers with the slightly peppery finish.If you find the Southern Islays a bit too peaty, this one is a little tamer. It's an easier drink that has all of the complex characteristics of an Islay, but doesn't slap you around the face with phenols as much as a Laphroaig, Ardbeg or Laguvulin.Slàinte Mhaith

I'm not sufficiently knowledgable on single malts to say anything of real substance here. But I have this bottle on rotation along with Ardbeg 10, Ledaig 10 and Laphroaig 10 and its character is slowly making its imprint on my my taste buds by means of inevitable comparisons with each other. So, do I like it? You bet. Of the 4 Islays mentioned above CI is the sweetest one, in a good way. It's got plenty of depth and balance. Quite opulent on the nose, if you swirl it in a wine type of glass. It's spicey, more than Laphroaig, and the mouthfeel is quite rounded and well constructed. It's not as complex as Ardbeg which is more layered but what it lacks in complexity it more than compensates with immediate charm and deliciousness. Worth every penny, as they say.

I thought this was ok. It’s a straightforward uncomplicated Islay whisky. A good place to start if you want to get into smoky and peaty whisky. The smoke and peat aren’t overpowering so it would make a good introduction. This would be better at 46% and above and if it wasn’t chill filtered (it is chill filtered)It’s not as good as Ardbeg 10 or Kilchoman (in my opinion) or Ledaig 10 (from Tobermory).I would consider buying this again but from an independent bottler which should offer more flavour and complexity with a higher ABV and not been chill filtered.

This is my favourite whisky, its taste is just amazing. Treat yourself.

I love islay whiskies. Didn’t use to as I was a speyside (especially Balvenie) drinker, but that changed after receiving an Ardbeg 10 as a gift. Initially overwhelmed and left with a friend with instructions to use for cooking. Thankfully they didn’t and returned to me six months later. After this time to ‘breathe’ it was a different beast and my heart was captured. Fast forward to Christmas 2022 and my brother who ‘hates peaty whisky’ helped me to kill a bottle of Caol Isla 12. Maybe I was disappointed that he enjoyed it or maybe I’m a functioning alcoholic but I now have a second bottle to review.I get autumn and boiled sweets (sweet peanuts) finished with dead bonfires. This is good. My analogy would be to compare the sweeney to line of duty. One is doesn’t give a fig whilst the other needs to remove its head.I love the really long smoky finish that you will still remember the next day.If you don’t like it try a Dalwhinnie 15

I am reasonably new on my whisky journey and I am loving trying different whisky's across the board. I kept hearing very good things about this and never got around to grabbing a bottle, i however had it in my watched basket on amazon with a view of buying at some point. Then last week i had a notification in my basket that it had dropped to £36 a bottle and I immediately ordered a bottle.I have to say I am shocked just how good this is, I like peated whisky mainly and this is nothing of the sort, it is smooth, delicious and the taste lingers in your mouth long after a sip. This will now be one of my go to casual drinking bottles i can not fault it all. There isn't much i have tried that betters it at this price point.I hope this review was helpfulCheersShaun