Slainte-Mhath
Caol Ila 25 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
February 27, 2021 (edited June 6, 2022)
If you could buy a 25-year-old Ardbeg or Lagavulin for way under 200 €, most peatheads would go nuts. Not so with Caol Ila, which has always puzzled me. Delicate, complex and surprisingly fruity, the aroma ranges from peach, lemon oil and mild spices to pinewood, soot and hints of sage. Flavorwise, the peat smoke has taken a back seat, while aromatic, citric and slightly resinous notes mingle with eucalyptus, honey and white pepper. Espresso, salmiak and even a touch of gin fade in the gentle finish. Showcasing the quiet side of Islay, this is a superb malt.
RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]
169.0
EUR
per
Bottle
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@Slainte-Mhath Caol Ila is always great value and quality for the money. You’re right… if it were a Lag or Ardbeg, would be priced silly high and folks would still buy.
WHISKY OF THE YEAR 2021: Due to my recent whisky break, I completely forgot to pick my whisky of the year for 2021. However, it's never too late to celebrate a good dram, and browsing through my 2021 reviews, it was not hard to make my choice. Caol Ila is my favorite distillery, and this 25 yo is a screaming bargain. I got 4 bottles tucked away in my stash, I guess that says a lot. Previously as 'Whisky of the Year': 2020 - Old grain whiskies (in particular Invergordon); 2019 - Yamazaki 12; 2018 – Springbank 12 CS; 2017 - GlenDronach 12; 2016 - Caol Ila 12.
@PBMichiganWolverine I wouldn't pay much attention to these releases... something for collectors and people who have more money than sense.
@Slainte-Mhath yes that one —-seems like another marketing bullshit
@PBMichiganWolverine Are you talking about 'Arrrrrrrdbeg!' (what a stupid name)? Not my style of whisky, I have been avoiding Ardbeg except for the 10 yo and the Uigeadail... Rather than spending a fortune on overbranded NAS whiskies, I spend my money on bottles like this! 🥃
@Slainte-Mhath I’m envious —both should be amazing. Have you tried that new Ardbeg ? The rye cask one ? Wondering if it’s any good or another marketing overpriced bullshit
@PBMichiganWolverine Caol Ila 30 yo 1983 (2014 Special Release) is the only whisky that I have rated 'perfect' (95 points), with Yamazaki 25 yo on second place (94 points). I will pop the cork of my Caol Ila 35 yo 1982 (2018 Special Release) in July, celebrating my 40th birthday, and I still have a sample of the 30 yo to taste them side by side... Really looking forward to that!
@Jan-Case personally, I loved the 18 more ( courtesy of a sample from @LeeEvolved ). But I’ve read the real gem in the series is the 30yr old ( I’ve not tried it )
So the question remains whether to go for the 18y or 25y? I have both on my wishlist but need to decide on one. Reviews for both are equally good. Price isn’t a factor really since they are indeed kinda in the same range. Any pointers?
@PBMichiganWolverine I have to admit that I am hoarding Caol Ila 25, one bottle open and four more in the stash...
@Slainte-Mhath in the US, it’s silly expensive —-not sure maybe if it’s because of tariffs. But cheaper to buy abroad and pay for shipping—-that is, before the days of the tariff. Now, not so sure. I bought mine two years or so ago, maybe €125
@PBMichiganWolverine How much is this bottle in the US? Is it widely available?
Probably the best VFM 25yr old Islay out there.
Additional comment: With this review, I conclude my assessment of the Caol Ila core range. The 12-year-old is a 'must try', whereas the Distillers Edition left me somewhat underwhelmed. Both 18 yo and 25 yo are sophisticated Single Malts, offering a slightly different flavor profile. I enjoyed both and scored them almost identical with 89 and 90 points. I understand that Diageo's price policy seems a bit odd (the 18 yo being too expensive, or the 25 yo being too cheap, at first glance), however, having tasted both expressions, I think you get what you are paying for.
Additional information: My review is for the 2012 batch (L2020CM000), containing whisky from the mid '80s.