Hey, Al! I first came across Caol Ila in Compass Box Peat Monster, and the distinctive flavours really shone through. Recently (only a week ago) I picked up a bottle of this 12 y/o. It was a bit of a splurge, it's $95 CDN here, but there's just something about it. I could nose it for hours, and can make a very small dram last quite a long time. It is fascinating to me as well how, over time, our tastes change. 10 years ago I wouldn't have been able to stomach this whisky, and now I love it! Try not to let the surrounding madness draw you in. Each day I tell myself... I love, and am loved. I am warm and dry. I have food and clean water. I have stepped back from the world and taken stock of what is truly important. Hearth and home is the centre of our lives right now, as it was for our ancestors. I help where I can, but I make time for myself to breathe. And by George, I have some wonderful whiskys on hand to get through the long dark winter! Take care, and stay safe and well! Marian 🇨🇦
That's brilliant and thanks for sharing. This is what I love so much about the whisky journey - how it changes and evolves over time. Even more so now looking forward to trying the sample of Big Peat I have. Such a great comment, and thanks once again. Cheers and here's to you!
No review is as good as an honest one. As time goes by whisky is changing ... and paletes are changing. Great that you came up with this dram you didn't like and give it another chance. Decent and honest review, Alan. Thanks. Slàinte.
I agree entirely. The spiritual odyssey is one of continual change and enlightenment. And that's the great thing about it, it keeps things interesting and we're always learning. Cheers.
Ahh, the Talisker 10. Yes, my first impression of it wasn't great either but, likewise it is now a good friend. I actually picked up a bottle on offer the other day and looking forward to cracking it open. Cheers Quig.
Sorry to hear your weeks are tough. I wish you better health my friend. I like Caol Ila, but it is not my favourite. Lots of smoke and ash for me. However, I once had an independent bottling, no chill filter, no colour, and a higher abv of a Caol Ila that was phenomenal. Added creamy grain sweetness that made it excellent. Better balance. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Yes, I've heard that the indie bottles are even better, and I'm looking forward to trying some in due course - now that this has finally hit the spot for me. Cheers Jon.
Always fun, your vlogs 😀. Great faces you pull in this one 🤣. Bang on about changing palettes with experience. Gotta keep an open mind! Also, and don’t get this wrong Al, comforting to see you’re as pissed off with 2020 as the rest of us . Here’s to onwards and upwards 🥃🤞
Cheers Tim, much appreciated buddy. Aye 2020 truly sucks - thankfully we have whisky to help us through. Life's natural medicine😀 And I'll second that toast - here's to onwards and upwards for us all. Sláinte.
Glad I've finally got to the point where I can appreciate it. A true example of perseverance and evidence that you just gotta keep expanding your palate. Cheers Keith.
A big bunch of flowers for the wife Al...🥰. If she’s anything like mine she’ll say “ I told you so “....😂. Enjoyed your review bigman. Slainte mhath ..
Cheers FF - yes, that's a phrase I've become accustomed to. I guess there will have to be flowers as part of this process, just to keep the natural order of things😄 Sláinte.
The face you pulled Al lol on first sip thought it was going to be a No from you but glad it improved. I have the same sample on the shelf going to give it go at some point. Great review mate take care be safe.
LOL Leejay. That face was in anticipation of what turned to be a false expectation of impending horror. I'll fire through the rest of the Islay tasting set now and see how that goes - it can be my alternative medication😄 Cheers mate.
Fun how everybody's experience can be different (me I loved Caol Ila 12 yo right from the start, almost 20 years ago & still consider it is one of the best values today, while I struggled with Laphroaig 10 yo several times over the years (at the exception of 1980's legendary versions & the Cask strength version) & I might try it these days to check out like you how it's now for me (but for me batch variations have to be considered as well, not only the changes in our tastes over the years...The profile of these whiskies has changed too sometimes. Love your Irish folky background, by the way....One last thing, some whiskies do resist to these revisits I have to say, but it is life ! Cheers, Al !
I think diageo keep this at a constantly good quality and for around €40 its still a reasonable price.I like caol ila 12 and buy a bottle ftom time too time.Enjoyable video Al, cheers and stay healthy.
One step at time Menno, one step😂 That said, a big jump could be a transforming experience! 15 years is probably a bit too long to wait to try things again, but I can be a stubborn bollocks - well, so I'm told! Cheers buddy.
I like Caol Ila 12, but it tends to pale in comparison to many other Islay's. However I've had great indie bottlings of Caol Ila with Port Askaig, Berry Bros. & Rudd and Douglas Laing Old Particular (all of which are 46 abv or higher/ natural color). And the most recent bottlings of Compass Box Peat Monster and No Name No. 2 both share a majority of Caol Ila in the mix and they are both interesting and worth a try.
Cheers mate. The more we drink, the more we learn to appreciate. I really wasn't expecting such a turnaround. Thought I'd probably like it a bit more, but not as much!
Love this one myself!. Not as in your face smoky as the big Islay 3. As for 2020?, .. I couldn't agree more. We're all raising a glass to a better '21 and good riddance to a year that's best forgotten.
Cheers and thanks for the sub, much appreciated. Yes, good riddance to 2020 - though I just can't get the thought out of my head that some big hairy-arsed 2021 monster is creeping up behind to reveal that this year was just the trail run! Ahhh....I need more whisky! Cheers again.
It sure has Paul😂 I have a couple of independent samples that have now risen dramatically up through my list to get into. BTW, the eagle landed today - thanks for your generosity, it is greatly appreciated. Sláinte.
I have the same experience with Ardbeg Uigeadail when it came out, did not like it at all but tried it 15y later and liked it a lot better😋 Great vid my friend👍🏻
Caol Ila 12 is pretty damn decent. I never had an issue with it. But I have a similar "relationship" with Bowmore - so maybe I'll go and revisit this too...
I've got a Bowmore 12 in this sample pack, but the one Bowmore I really need to revisit is the 15 darkest. Probably the whisky that I've hated the most - still gives me the shivers!
Looks like we have a nemesis in common. I had two Minis of Bowmore quite at the beginning of my whisky-drinking and I loathed the 15. But the No.1 was even worse.
I feel the same way about Glenfiddich, haven't tried it in almost two decades, so perhpas it is time to give it another chance. There was one exception, tried some and it was great. However your standard Glenfiddich to me is no better than your standard blended whisky, i.e. cooking whisky.
I think we all have a whisky or two that just not only just doesn't do it for us, but we can't abide. Always worth trying them again at some stage, even if only a sample. Let me know how you get on when you head back down the Glenfiddich way! Cheers Conor.
@@WhiskeyStraightAl Well Big Al, I did what I said and reconnected with Glenfiddich yesterday. I bought a minature because i didn't want to shell out for even a half bottle. The result, I can see why I never took to this whisky. In my opinion it is trying so desperately not to be a whisky that it appeals to wine and other spirit drinkers. It has none of the distinctive notes of a whisky, apart from ABV. I shall not revisit!
I'd say you'd convinced yersel you didn't like this because of your younger palate big lad. I could do with goin' in and re-reviewing a lot of what I reviewed early on because, even though it was only over a year ago I started reviewing...my opinions have changed on some of those early reviews already. Hard to stay on top of them isn't it?
Aye, you're definitely spot on there, Jim. It's an evolutionary process, and the more you get into the process the more it becomes apparent. But we must soldier on as good whisky warriors. Cheers.
I was really surprised at your previous experience with Caol Ila. I’ve always like Caol Ila and have bought a few bottles in my day. I bought an 11 year CS Gordon and Macphail Caol Ila a couple years back and absolutely loved it... though I’ve heard mixed reviews on some IB versions. I hope your doing alright Al. Feel free to reach out if you need anything or just want to chat!
Thankfully, this experience was a much more pleasant one and I'm looking forward to more Caol Ila now. I'm getting there Dr Dave - been a challenging few weeks with this damn Sarcoidosis kicking my ass and laying me lower than usual (more down time than up time), but hopefully on the way up again. I'll drop you a line and we'll get our collab sorted. Really looking forward to it. Cheers buddy.
I felt weird giving your comment a thumbs up because not sure if that’s the correct gesture to give someone when that info is given... The thumbs down seems more appropriate but the algorithm just won’t understand. Lol Do you have air purifiers in your home? I’ve read that they can help if the lungs are affected. I have an air purifier I bought on Amazon for around $80 last year. Levoit was the brand. Not an insane purifier... but a couple in the house where you spend most your time could be helpful.
@@AmericanScotchDoctor I know what you mean! The air purifier would be a great idea indeed. Anything that helps clear the air, helps me to breathe better. Definitely gonna check that out. Cheers brother.
Here is a link to the purifier that I have... LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home with True HEPA Filter for Allergies and Pets, Dust, Mold, and Pollen, Smoke and Odor Eliminator www.amazon.com/dp/B071D58ZY5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_6x8UFbC6H1ZZR
Al I luv the shitty weather, good excuse to do balls all, heating on and booze 🤣 This is £37 on Amazon now, looking forward to trying this and the Port Charlotte too pretty soon 👍🥃🥃
That grassy smoke in this is my favorite style of smoke I will say. And it's got some nice yellow fruit, some nectarines, ome tangerines, some mango and some pineapple, as I recall, the CIla12 does. Shame about the lower abv the filtration and the coloring, that stuff. Real shame.
I've got a range of other peated expressions yet to get into, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what I pick up in them. I think there are a few Caol Ila samples in there too. Cheers Coop.
Hey, Al!
I first came across Caol Ila in Compass Box Peat Monster, and the distinctive flavours really shone through. Recently (only a week ago) I picked up a bottle of this 12 y/o. It was a bit of a splurge, it's $95 CDN here, but there's just something about it. I could nose it for hours, and can make a very small dram last quite a long time. It is fascinating to me as well how, over time, our tastes change. 10 years ago I wouldn't have been able to stomach this whisky, and now I love it!
Try not to let the surrounding madness draw you in. Each day I tell myself...
I love, and am loved. I am warm and dry. I have food and clean water.
I have stepped back from the world and taken stock of what is truly important.
Hearth and home is the centre of our lives right now, as it was for our ancestors.
I help where I can, but I make time for myself to breathe.
And by George, I have some wonderful whiskys on hand to get through the long dark winter!
Take care, and stay safe and well!
Marian 🇨🇦
That's brilliant and thanks for sharing. This is what I love so much about the whisky journey - how it changes and evolves over time. Even more so now looking forward to trying the sample of Big Peat I have. Such a great comment, and thanks once again. Cheers and here's to you!
Damn and for me this is the scotch I drink a bottle in like 5-6 days. Don't know what it is but it's such an easily drinkable Scotch...👍🥃
No review is as good as an honest one.
As time goes by whisky is changing ... and paletes are changing.
Great that you came up with this dram you didn't like and give it another chance.
Decent and honest review, Alan. Thanks.
Slàinte.
I agree entirely. The spiritual odyssey is one of continual change and enlightenment. And that's the great thing about it, it keeps things interesting and we're always learning. Cheers.
I had a similar experience with Talisker 10 when I was in my early twenties... Talisker 10 has become an old friend since then... Cheers!
Ahh, the Talisker 10. Yes, my first impression of it wasn't great either but, likewise it is now a good friend. I actually picked up a bottle on offer the other day and looking forward to cracking it open. Cheers Quig.
Sorry to hear your weeks are tough. I wish you better health my friend. I like Caol Ila, but it is not my favourite. Lots of smoke and ash for me. However, I once had an independent bottling, no chill filter, no colour, and a higher abv of a Caol Ila that was phenomenal. Added creamy grain sweetness that made it excellent. Better balance. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Yes, I've heard that the indie bottles are even better, and I'm looking forward to trying some in due course - now that this has finally hit the spot for me. Cheers Jon.
Laphroaig 10 all day every time, it’s my jam 🤩👍
I am glad you like it bro 👍 I really like it last time I had it! But I am a Laphroaig man for sure.
Similar tastes yet again! Cheers bro.
Always fun, your vlogs 😀. Great faces you pull in this one 🤣. Bang on about changing palettes with experience. Gotta keep an open mind! Also, and don’t get this wrong Al, comforting to see you’re as pissed off with 2020 as the rest of us . Here’s to onwards and upwards 🥃🤞
Cheers Tim, much appreciated buddy. Aye 2020 truly sucks - thankfully we have whisky to help us through. Life's natural medicine😀 And I'll second that toast - here's to onwards and upwards for us all. Sláinte.
Great review if a very underrated whisky IMHO🙂🥃
Glad I've finally got to the point where I can appreciate it. A true example of perseverance and evidence that you just gotta keep expanding your palate. Cheers Keith.
Always wondered about this one, Al. Thanks for the re-review. Hope the week gets better for ye, big man. Prayers said! ;)
Cheers mate, thanks for dropping in again. Hopefully this is a good omen for a better week. Look after yourself.
Awesome review Al and great to see how you have changed your thoughts in this
Cheers Lee. Methinks I may have unleashed a peat beast now😂 The next few weeks will tell. Sláinte.
A big bunch of flowers for the wife Al...🥰. If she’s anything like mine she’ll say “ I told you so “....😂. Enjoyed your review bigman. Slainte mhath ..
Cheers FF - yes, that's a phrase I've become accustomed to. I guess there will have to be flowers as part of this process, just to keep the natural order of things😄 Sláinte.
Well done!
Now there are two words I never got together when I was at school😂 Things are looking up....cheers Erik.
The face you pulled Al lol on first sip thought it was going to be a No from you but glad it improved. I have the same sample on the shelf going to give it go at some point. Great review mate take care be safe.
LOL Leejay. That face was in anticipation of what turned to be a false expectation of impending horror. I'll fire through the rest of the Islay tasting set now and see how that goes - it can be my alternative medication😄 Cheers mate.
I always like this one, good BBQ flavors in there. Cheers!
Finally, I'm a new fan too - even though it took a while! Cheers Robert.
Fun how everybody's experience can be different (me I loved Caol Ila 12 yo right from the start, almost 20 years ago & still consider it is one of the best values today, while I struggled with Laphroaig 10 yo several times over the years (at the exception of 1980's legendary versions & the Cask strength version) & I might try it these days to check out like you how it's now for me (but for me batch variations have to be considered as well, not only the changes in our tastes over the years...The profile of these whiskies has changed too sometimes. Love your Irish folky background, by the way....One last thing, some whiskies do resist to these revisits I have to say, but it is life ! Cheers, Al !
Cheers Greg and you're spot on too with the batch variations point. We must soldier on with our journey, through the good and not so good. Sláinte.
I think diageo keep this at a constantly good quality and for around €40 its still a reasonable price.I like caol ila 12 and buy a bottle ftom time too time.Enjoyable video Al, cheers and stay healthy.
I can (finally) see why this is such a liked dram. Now, onwards and upwards! Cheers David - stay healthy too buddy.
See, it ony took 15 or so years to get to like this one. Bring on Octomore I say! Nice review Al!
One step at time Menno, one step😂 That said, a big jump could be a transforming experience! 15 years is probably a bit too long to wait to try things again, but I can be a stubborn bollocks - well, so I'm told! Cheers buddy.
I like Caol Ila 12, but it tends to pale in comparison to many other Islay's. However I've had great indie bottlings of Caol Ila with Port Askaig, Berry Bros. & Rudd and Douglas Laing Old Particular (all of which are 46 abv or higher/ natural color). And the most recent bottlings of Compass Box Peat Monster and No Name No. 2 both share a majority of Caol Ila in the mix and they are both interesting and worth a try.
I have a few of those samples and I'm really looking forward to getting into them now, particularly at a higher proof. Cheers Andrew.
That’s a great idea and a really cool video - well done 🤘🏻
Many thanks - I'll be on a peat roll now! Cheers.
@@WhiskeyStraightAl yeah keep it rollin😁🤘🏻
Well there's a shocker.... Good job fella...
Cheers mate. The more we drink, the more we learn to appreciate. I really wasn't expecting such a turnaround. Thought I'd probably like it a bit more, but not as much!
Hope you have a better week Al👍
Cheers Al, much appreciated. Hope so as well. Here's to a good one for you, too.
Love this one myself!. Not as in your face smoky as the big Islay 3. As for 2020?, .. I couldn't agree more. We're all raising a glass to a better '21 and good riddance to a year that's best forgotten.
Cheers and thanks for the sub, much appreciated. Yes, good riddance to 2020 - though I just can't get the thought out of my head that some big hairy-arsed 2021 monster is creeping up behind to reveal that this year was just the trail run! Ahhh....I need more whisky! Cheers again.
2020 has been a bit shit Al. Love this stuff, also independent bottles of Caol Ila can be amazing. Cheers chap 👍
It sure has Paul😂 I have a couple of independent samples that have now risen dramatically up through my list to get into. BTW, the eagle landed today - thanks for your generosity, it is greatly appreciated. Sláinte.
@@WhiskeyStraightAl no worries bud👍
I have the same experience with Ardbeg Uigeadail when it came out, did not like it at all but tried it 15y later and liked it a lot better😋
Great vid my friend👍🏻
Thanks Rikard. That's actually an Ardbeg I'm really looking forward to trying. Sláinte.
Caol Ila 12 is pretty damn decent. I never had an issue with it. But I have a similar "relationship" with Bowmore - so maybe I'll go and revisit this too...
I've got a Bowmore 12 in this sample pack, but the one Bowmore I really need to revisit is the 15 darkest. Probably the whisky that I've hated the most - still gives me the shivers!
Looks like we have a nemesis in common. I had two Minis of Bowmore quite at the beginning of my whisky-drinking and I loathed the 15. But the No.1 was even worse.
I feel the same way about Glenfiddich, haven't tried it in almost two decades, so perhpas it is time to give it another chance. There was one exception, tried some and it was great. However your standard Glenfiddich to me is no better than your standard blended whisky, i.e. cooking whisky.
I think we all have a whisky or two that just not only just doesn't do it for us, but we can't abide. Always worth trying them again at some stage, even if only a sample. Let me know how you get on when you head back down the Glenfiddich way! Cheers Conor.
@@WhiskeyStraightAl Well Big Al, I did what I said and reconnected with Glenfiddich yesterday. I bought a minature because i didn't want to shell out for even a half bottle. The result, I can see why I never took to this whisky. In my opinion it is trying so desperately not to be a whisky that it appeals to wine and other spirit drinkers. It has none of the distinctive notes of a whisky, apart from ABV. I shall not revisit!
I'd say you'd convinced yersel you didn't like this because of your younger palate big lad. I could do with goin' in and re-reviewing a lot of what I reviewed early on because, even though it was only over a year ago I started reviewing...my opinions have changed on some of those early reviews already.
Hard to stay on top of them isn't it?
Aye, you're definitely spot on there, Jim. It's an evolutionary process, and the more you get into the process the more it becomes apparent. But we must soldier on as good whisky warriors. Cheers.
I was really surprised at your previous experience with Caol Ila.
I’ve always like Caol Ila and have bought a few bottles in my day.
I bought an 11 year CS Gordon and Macphail Caol Ila a couple years back and absolutely loved it... though I’ve heard mixed reviews on some IB versions.
I hope your doing alright Al.
Feel free to reach out if you need anything or just want to chat!
Thankfully, this experience was a much more pleasant one and I'm looking forward to more Caol Ila now. I'm getting there Dr Dave - been a challenging few weeks with this damn Sarcoidosis kicking my ass and laying me lower than usual (more down time than up time), but hopefully on the way up again. I'll drop you a line and we'll get our collab sorted. Really looking forward to it. Cheers buddy.
I felt weird giving your comment a thumbs up because not sure if that’s the correct gesture to give someone when that info is given...
The thumbs down seems more appropriate but the algorithm just won’t understand. Lol
Do you have air purifiers in your home?
I’ve read that they can help if the lungs are affected.
I have an air purifier I bought on Amazon for around $80 last year. Levoit was the brand.
Not an insane purifier... but a couple in the house where you spend most your time could be helpful.
@@AmericanScotchDoctor I know what you mean! The air purifier would be a great idea indeed. Anything that helps clear the air, helps me to breathe better. Definitely gonna check that out. Cheers brother.
Here is a link to the purifier that I have...
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home with True HEPA Filter for Allergies and Pets, Dust, Mold, and Pollen, Smoke and Odor Eliminator www.amazon.com/dp/B071D58ZY5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_6x8UFbC6H1ZZR
Al I luv the shitty weather, good excuse to do balls all, heating on and booze 🤣 This is £37 on Amazon now, looking forward to trying this and the Port Charlotte too pretty soon 👍🥃🥃
Damn, cheers for the heads up Tonio - heading to Amazon!
I wish I had your pallet, smoked ham?! I've never got more than a faint hint of toffee from about 90 different whiskeys! 🤷♀️
Methinks I need to do a 'how to taste' whisky vid to assist in your learning experience.
That grassy smoke in this is my favorite style of smoke I will say. And it's got some nice yellow fruit, some nectarines, ome tangerines, some mango and some pineapple, as I recall, the CIla12 does.
Shame about the lower abv the filtration and the coloring, that stuff. Real shame.
I've got a range of other peated expressions yet to get into, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what I pick up in them. I think there are a few Caol Ila samples in there too. Cheers Coop.