To me Caol Ila has this unique green olives note, especially when smelling the cork. Sometimes I get salted carmel which i love. Great whiskey, getting better over time!
Caol Ila was my first single malt ever. That's why I am sentimental about it. I still like it. The 25y old is phantastic, the 12y old never disappoints me and there many good independant bottlings, like the Feis Ile Edition from 2017 that I have in my glas right now. Cheers mate.
My #1 whisk(e)y review channel on YT. I watch 10 such channels but prefer yours over the others. I like your humor and I really enjoy your lack of pomposity. Your straightforward approach to reviews, evaluations and ratings is welcome. Of all the YT channel reviewers/hosts I watch had I the chance to enjoy a few drams with then you would be my #1 choice. Followed by those two crazy Texas dudes. You are REAL. THANKS
David, I live for comments like this. I just had to cancel a whiskey related trip I was planning due to COVID so I was kind of bummed, then I saw this comment and it made me much happier. I'm glad you are enjoying the channel and content. Have a good one!
with all the Ardbeg and Laphroaig fans few people admit they like this; well i am not that guy. this stuff has so many other flavors than Ardbeg and less astringent than Laphroaig. great dram imo.
Wild graph. Caol Ila is a very standard Islay release so I was surprised to see how many have not tried it. I have had some amazing independent bottles, but the regular 12 is priced too high for me to enjoy regularly. Should be on everyone's "try" at least once. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers!
Very interesting viewer breakdown. Among the4 51% that have tried it, more than half suggest buying it or stocking it. But the biggest group is the Try It group. I've watched several reviews of this bottle and it very much falls into the type of bottle that certain type of drinker will just want on hand. Ralfy mentioned that the newest bottlings are missing a "little something" and getting an independent bottling of Caol Ila is the way to go. I love Islay and I want to experience more of it. This is still on my to do list I think. EDIT: Do'h! the commentary after the bar graph covered it. Ignore me lol
As a newbie to whisky who had Talisker 10 before Caol Ila 12. I would confidently say that I wouldn't be nearly as into peated whisky had I tried Caol Ila first. Maybe it's just because I can't make out some of the more subtle notes but the way Talisker 10 explodes with flavors and makes it really easy for a beginner to find tasting notes makes me happy.
Caol Ila was one of my first peated whiskies and still my favorite. I am currently nursing the one bottle I have while I wait for a new supply to show up, then I'll go out and get three or four bottles. I would choose this over the Laphroaig 10 and Ardbeg 10 ANY time
I love it. Specifically for not being something that tries to put peat upfront and becomes a bitter disappointment after you get a taste of some awesome peat-bombs, but instead has this fine well balanced taste. For peat I dive into my Octomore collection or some other cask strength stuff. I'd say this whiskey is well suited for introducing your friends to not so typical Islay scotch. Taste is very subjective tho, but this one is definitely a keeper for me and it's only 40 eur, basically the cheapest Islay scotch in my local stores :)
I really like caol ila but I can see how people are not a huge fan of it, I usually drink it when I want something that is not too complicated and is easy to drink. Also I’ve heard unpeated cask strength versions of Caol ila are absolutely amazing. I just ordered the 17 year old, but you will be paying quite a bit for these.
Very interesting….. I was told to get a bottle but it’s $85-$90 where I live. Glad I saw this review, I’ll save the money on a bottle and try it in a bar or at dinner some day. 😎
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I was told to walk away from a bottle at that price. You’re very right about it being a tough sale, if it was $50-$60 I would probably grab a bottle.
Excellent and very fair review. It definitely suffers from the presentation. Nonchillfiltered and 46%abv would make a big difference. I think this would be a buy it for me at $50. But around me it's usually ~$65. Definitely overpriced for the presentation.
Thank you for this review. It does sounds similar to talisker, like you said. I wasn’t blown away by Talisker 10 but it was good. Wouldn’t buy again only because for the same price I can get Ardbeg 10 (my favorite)
So many of my independent bottler releases are Caol Ila. Hilariously, they're all better than Caol Ila's own core range. I do really like their cask strength, though
just get laphroaig 10 or ardbeg 10 and wait until second sip, when your tongue used to it you never want to leave it. 30 ppm is not enough at all believe me :) And price of caol ila getting crazy for a while, it doesn't worth.
In my view Caol Ila 12 and Talisker 10 are quite different. It's worth trying for variety sake, just for the experience. I am curious on the Caol Ila Distiller's Edition, finished in Moscatel casks.
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Yes I think you right based on what I am researching but quite interesting that one of the most famous Scottish actors pronounces it wrong?
I recently acquired a bottle of Blantons single barrel bottled at 46.5 %. 8 / 21. I bought it on a whim because of its rarity. Looking to sell it because I'm more of a single malt scotch lover. Any ideas how to sell legally internet?
A good whisky, but my expectations were high and left me underwhelmed. I was hoping for more of Lagavulin Jr, and this ain't it. I did enjoy the bottle, but it won't be returning to my shelves.
I see what you're saying, however it's technically a different word. Ila vs. Islay. The back of the box also specifically says its pronounced "Cull Ee-la"
To me Caol Ila has this unique green olives note, especially when smelling the cork. Sometimes I get salted carmel which i love. Great whiskey, getting better over time!
Caol Ila was my first single malt ever. That's why I am sentimental about it. I still like it. The 25y old is phantastic, the 12y old never disappoints me and there many good independant bottlings, like the Feis Ile Edition from 2017 that I have in my glas right now. Cheers mate.
My #1 whisk(e)y review channel on YT. I watch 10 such channels but prefer yours over the others. I like your humor and I really enjoy your lack of pomposity. Your straightforward approach to reviews, evaluations and ratings is welcome. Of all the YT channel reviewers/hosts I watch had I the chance to enjoy a few drams with then you would be my #1 choice. Followed by those two crazy Texas dudes. You are REAL. THANKS
David, I live for comments like this. I just had to cancel a whiskey related trip I was planning due to COVID so I was kind of bummed, then I saw this comment and it made me much happier. I'm glad you are enjoying the channel and content. Have a good one!
Very balanced and smooth. A favorite of mine.
Easy to drink Islay scotch.
It has gentle peat smoke and its slightly sweet.
Leaves a good aftertaste.
with all the Ardbeg and Laphroaig fans few people admit they like this; well i am not that guy. this stuff has so many other flavors than Ardbeg and less astringent than Laphroaig. great dram imo.
Wild graph. Caol Ila is a very standard Islay release so I was surprised to see how many have not tried it. I have had some amazing independent bottles, but the regular 12 is priced too high for me to enjoy regularly. Should be on everyone's "try" at least once. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Cheers!
My first whisky, I stayed in a distillery cottage and loved it after a week of smelling the air.
Thats a fun memory!
Very interesting viewer breakdown. Among the4 51% that have tried it, more than half suggest buying it or stocking it. But the biggest group is the Try It group.
I've watched several reviews of this bottle and it very much falls into the type of bottle that certain type of drinker will just want on hand. Ralfy mentioned that the newest bottlings are missing a "little something" and getting an independent bottling of Caol Ila is the way to go.
I love Islay and I want to experience more of it. This is still on my to do list I think.
EDIT: Do'h! the commentary after the bar graph covered it. Ignore me lol
As a newbie to whisky who had Talisker 10 before Caol Ila 12. I would confidently say that I wouldn't be nearly as into peated whisky had I tried Caol Ila first. Maybe it's just because I can't make out some of the more subtle notes but the way Talisker 10 explodes with flavors and makes it really easy for a beginner to find tasting notes makes me happy.
Talisker 10 imho is a very good beginner whiskey because the smoke is not as overwhelming as an Islay whiskey so you can find notes more easily
Caol Ila was one of my first peated whiskies and still my favorite. I am currently nursing the one bottle I have while I wait for a new supply to show up, then I'll go out and get three or four bottles. I would choose this over the Laphroaig 10 and Ardbeg 10 ANY time
I find Laphroaig 10 and Ardbeg 10 to be tasty but not complex at all. Laphroaig 10 is basically just smoke and Ardbeg 10 smoke + sweet. Wdyt? 😁
I do enjoy Caol Ila from G&M CS NC and NCF as well as in Flaming Heart and No Name 1. Cheers Bill!
I love it. Specifically for not being something that tries to put peat upfront and becomes a bitter disappointment after you get a taste of some awesome peat-bombs, but instead has this fine well balanced taste. For peat I dive into my Octomore collection or some other cask strength stuff. I'd say this whiskey is well suited for introducing your friends to not so typical Islay scotch. Taste is very subjective tho, but this one is definitely a keeper for me and it's only 40 eur, basically the cheapest Islay scotch in my local stores :)
Its my and my brother favorite smoke whisky. Its not the best but everytime is nice to return to Caol Ila.
I really like caol ila but I can see how people are not a huge fan of it, I usually drink it when I want something that is not too complicated and is easy to drink. Also I’ve heard unpeated cask strength versions of Caol ila are absolutely amazing. I just ordered the 17 year old, but you will be paying quite a bit for these.
Caol ila is readily available at the majority of liquor stores I go to.
Very interesting….. I was told to get a bottle but it’s $85-$90 where I live. Glad I saw this review, I’ll save the money on a bottle and try it in a bar or at dinner some day. 😎
Negative. Its briny and wonderful. People mistake peat strength as quality.
85-90 is a tough sell to me. Near me it's 80 and I barely wanted to spend that
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I was told to walk away from a bottle at that price. You’re very right about it being a tough sale, if it was $50-$60 I would probably grab a bottle.
At 50-60 I'd probably have leaned more towards "buy it"
Its some nice ones from independent botlers like Elixir and signatory
Getting some of this, bruichladdic classic laddie and ledaig 10 in the post soon. looking forward to following your review of the first two!
Nice. Choices!
See I drank almost half a bottle in to days and nights. Damn wtf. It's just so easy to drink that with other (most) scotches I don't do that at all.
Excellent and very fair review. It definitely suffers from the presentation. Nonchillfiltered and 46%abv would make a big difference. I think this would be a buy it for me at $50. But around me it's usually ~$65. Definitely overpriced for the presentation.
Thank you for this review. It does sounds similar to talisker, like you said.
I wasn’t blown away by Talisker 10 but it was good. Wouldn’t buy again only because for the same price I can get Ardbeg 10 (my favorite)
Interesting! I actually prefer Talisker 10 to Ardbeg 10 😁 I find Ardbeg 10 tasty but too simple, a two note dram. Smoke + sweet, that's all
Great review, I was surprised it has an oiliness due to it being chill filtered. Cheers my friend.
Yea good point... may be a combo of the maritime notes and the peat
I've had Springbank 10 and Talisker 10. Is this whisky similar to those?
So many of my independent bottler releases are Caol Ila. Hilariously, they're all better than Caol Ila's own core range. I do really like their cask strength, though
Have you tasted Johnnie Walker Isla origins? Blended malt with Caol Ila and, first time for a long time, Lagavulin
just get laphroaig 10 or ardbeg 10 and wait until second sip, when your tongue used to it you never want to leave it. 30 ppm is not enough at all believe me :) And price of caol ila getting crazy for a while, it doesn't worth.
In my view Caol Ila 12 and Talisker 10 are quite different. It's worth trying for variety sake, just for the experience. I am curious on the Caol Ila Distiller's Edition, finished in Moscatel casks.
Me too!
Agreed! but i'm biased as Caol Ila 12 is somewhere around my top 5ish and Talisker 10 (and Storm, and Skye) don't make my top 10 at all.
Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroig all take a back seat to Caol Ila at my sessions.
It is very interesting how subjective taste is 😁 I bet even geography plays a part in what kind of whisky people prefer 🤔
Yup just search Brian cox and caol ila on youtube and he clearly says "kool aila"
Totally agree. Received this as a gift after they knew I liked Islay. Wouldn’t buy again. Talisker 10 is much better. It’s not terrible…just very meh.
Hi can you do a video about improving whiskey palate.I tried some of the whiskeys you tried but i'm having trouble getting all the flavours.
I did a video about "how to nose whiskey" and one "how to taste whiskey". Give them a shot
Is THAT how it's pronounced?!? Thanks for teaching me stuff.
It is "Kool aila"....islay and ila are both pronounced as aila (capital I and then LA)
It is indeed cull-eela, not cole aila like many Americans say it..
@@daanvdwielen8760 Brian Cox said Kuul aila and he is a Scot
One thing I always pay a lot of attention to with my reviews is pronunciation. Cull-ee-la is correct
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Yes I think you right based on what I am researching but quite interesting that one of the most famous Scottish actors pronounces it wrong?
I hear a lot of people smell lemon. I smell green apple.
I recently acquired a bottle of Blantons single barrel bottled at 46.5 %. 8 / 21. I bought it on a whim because of its rarity.
Looking to sell it because I'm more of a single malt scotch lover.
Any ideas how to sell legally internet?
Not an area that I believe in. Whiskey should be drank, not sold. Good luck, look on Facebook
🥃👊🏻🥃
Artificial color!! 😳
I know :(
A good whisky, but my expectations were high and left me underwhelmed. I was hoping for more of Lagavulin Jr, and this ain't it. I did enjoy the bottle, but it won't be returning to my shelves.
@A Publick Domain I think that the Oban is quite tasty actually 😂 so "The Oban Effect" should be quite a positive thing in my book 😁
@A Publick Domain Cool! :D Or maybe if you can find it in a bar even better. I really like this "coastal style" of whisky smoky or not
"I drank half of this bottle in one night."
"Eh, it's just okay."
How fast do you drink the ones you really like?! :-)
Hah, I like to think of do proper research!
So then the pronunciation should be "Cool Aila" instead of cool eela, right?....assuming that Isla is pronounced the same way in gaelic as scottish
I see what you're saying, however it's technically a different word.
Ila vs. Islay. The back of the box also specifically says its pronounced "Cull Ee-la"
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Wow ok I stand corrected....So Brian Cox was wrong lol!