Caol Ila 25 Years Old 43% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (88)

I liked the earlier batches very much (WF 88).

Colour: gold.

Nose: starts soft and complex, with notes of almond oil, linseed oil, soot and then citrus, a bit ala ‘old’ Coal Ila (pre-extension), which is a profile I already found in the first 25s. There’s also delicate floral notes, which is unusual (roses, old style perfume ala Jean Patou) and then more costal notes, such as ultra-fresh oysters. In short, a very delicate Caol Ila, very different from most other newish bottlings, especially by the indies.

Mouth: maybe it’s a tad lightish at the attack (please note that this is a ‘first’ dram, so no influence of a bigger previous dram) but again, it’s complex whisky, rather more on brine and plain salt this time. There’s also quite some lemon and these notes of roots that I already found in earlier versions (ginseng powder). It’s a medium bodied CI, with excellent complexity. Liquorice wood.

Finish: a tad short for Caol Ila but clean and very salty. Moderate peatiness.

Comments: the light and elegant side of the famous Islayer. I think it’s a good example of a whisky that would please wine lovers who aren’t into whisky too much.

Gal Granov (89)

Nose: This one certainly feels older: There are some lovely wood notes with oak and leather , sweet peat with vanilla and deep concentrated honey. Stewed fruit: Plum and pear. Demerara sugar The nose is indeed warm and reassuring. May bot be the most complex of noses, but It’s certainly good.

Palate: Starting sweet. Honey and spice. Giving way to some big peaty notes, to be honest I was expecting the peat to be more subdued than it really is. Seaweed and salt with sweet smoke. It’s a sort of coastal peat – an Islay for sure. Then getting woodier with Polish and dry oak. Pepper and plum.

Finish : Peat pepper, and spice. lingering smoke and sweet distant plums.


A very nice Coal Ila indeed. But lacking the exotic fruit notes of older CI I’ve come to like. If we’re talking about wood, it certainly has some, but it’s not the kind of lovely wood you get from a Bunnahabhain 25 for example. Yes, I know the peat is balancing it out, but still. This is rather balanced, and although the peat is stronger than I anticipated, It’s not overpowering the other aromas and flavors. A worthy 25 year old, at a good price (relatively)

BOW (89)

Caol Ila 25 Years Old

In the heart of Islay, where the sea breeze meets the rugged coastline, Caol Ila Distillery has been crafting exceptional whiskies for generations. The Caol Ila 25 Years Old, a venerable expression matured for a quarter of a century, stands as a testament to the distillery's commitment to excellence. Bottled at a gentle 43%, this silver jubilee release encapsulates the refined and complex character that has become synonymous with Caol Ila.

The Maturation Journey:
Distilled by the shores of the Sound of Islay, the Caol Ila 25 Years Old embarked on a maturation journey that spanned a quarter-century. The spirit slumbered in carefully selected casks, absorbing the influences of both the Islay terroir and the oak vessels that cradled it. As time unfolded, the whisky evolved, gaining depth, complexity, and a unique character that is a testament to the artistry of Caol Ila's distillation and maturation processes.

Tasting Notes:
As the amber elixir is poured into the glass, it invites enthusiasts to explore the intricate nuances that define this distinguished expression.

Nose:
The first encounter is an olfactory symphony that unfolds with elegance. A gentle waft of peat smoke embraces the senses, accompanied by subtle maritime notes—a nod to Caol Ila's coastal location. Delicate hints of brine, seaweed, and iodine add a maritime complexity. Beneath the surface, layers of honeyed sweetness and ripe fruits emerge, creating a harmonious balance. The nose is a journey through Islay's elemental forces, inviting contemplation and anticipation.

Taste:
On the palate, the Caol Ila 25 Years Old unveils a velvety and well-rounded character. The peat smoke, while present, is mellowed by the passage of time, offering a refined smokiness that dances on the taste buds. The maritime influences persist, with briny undertones and a touch of seaweed adding a coastal charm. Layers of honey, vanilla, and dried fruits contribute to the complexity, creating a taste profile that is both sophisticated and inviting. The gentle 43% ABV allows the flavors to unfold gradually, inviting enthusiasts to savor each sip.

Finish:
The grand finale is a lingering finish that echoes the nuances of the palate. The smokiness, now accompanied by a subtle warmth, gradually fades into a memory. The finish is a testament to the enduring allure of Caol Ila, leaving a lasting impression that invites reflection on the whisky's remarkable journey.

Conclusion:
The Caol Ila 25 Years Old is not merely a whisky; it is a celebration of Islay's rich heritage and Caol Ila's mastery of the craft. As enthusiasts indulge in each sip, they are transported to the windswept shores of Islay, where the sea, the peat, and the oak converge to create a whisky of timeless elegance. With its refined balance, complexity, and the wisdom acquired over 25 years of maturation, this expression stands as a silver jubilee tribute to the enduring legacy of Caol Ila—a distillery that continues to enchant and captivate the world of Scotch whisky.