Caol Ila 12

I think I've finally gotten the hang of tasting whisky to begin sharing my thoughts. I tried Laphroaig 10 at a bar a while ago and since that point I knew I was an Islay guy, so those are the whiskies you'll be seeing from me (honorary inclusion of Skye as well). I decided to start keeping a notebook about 6 months ago to remember specifically what I thought about the various whiskies I tried and have decided to relay them here. I hope you enjoy reading what I have to say, and I'm looking forward to getting better at it.

I managed to try the 18 year variety of Caol Ila at a bar years ago for free as there ended up not being quite enough left for a pour. I loved it and decided I needed to try the standard offering and bought a bottle shortly after. This actual review was conducted in late summer/early fall 2017. I should note that the cork that came with the bottle broke at some point and I was using one of those suction wine cork things, so some time in the future when I get another bottle I intend to review this particular whisky once again and see whether that cork issue affected anything. The whisky was enjoyed with 1 ice cube alongside a bowl of Cornell & Diehl Sunset Harbor Flake - as pictured - though the whisky notes were all taken prior to lighting the pipe to avoid any influence on my palate.

Caol Ila 12, Islay Single Malt, 86 proof

Color: Pale gold.

Nose: Sweet aroma, peat, a bit of citrus; iodine came in after a while.

Taste: Slight citrus/fruit; slightly dry/hard; slightly herbal and oaky; slight peat; mild pepperiness; slightly salty and spicy; slightly smokey and woody; fairly sweet.

Finish: Salty, smokey, peppery, dry.

To date this remains one of my favorites. It was very enjoyable to drink while relaxing in the yard with a pipe.

Score: 90