The celebratory distillery exclusive is the fourth and final corner in a unique collection

Islay distillery Caol Ila, whose name is the Gaelic for ‘The Sound of Islay’ is proud to release a limited-edition expression to celebrate the opening of its brand-new visitor experience.  

Caol Ila is the fourth and final distillery to undergo a major transformation as part of Diageo’s £185 million investment into its Scotch whisky visitor experiences in Scotland. As one of the Four Corners distilleries, it’s Caol Ila’s signature smoky smoothness that can be found in every bottle of Johnnie Walker, as it continues to play a crucial role in the whisky’s blend.  

The Caol Ila distillery exclusive is a beautiful celebration of the distillery’s character, exclusively matured for 14 years in American Oak refill casks and freshly charred American Oak casks. With additional spicy, creamy and sweet notes coming through from the recharred casks, this cask-strength whisky expands on all the expected characters found in Caol Ila, with bonfire aromas and a crisp taste, turning sweetness into salt to deliver a charred smoke finish.  

 Caol Ila 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky is available to purchase now at the distillery and via Malts.com. Priced at RRP £150 per 70cl, is bottled at 53% ABV and just 3,000 bottles are available.  

Tasting Notes by Charles MacLean

RRP: £150

ABV: 53%

Age: 14 years

Bottles: 3,000

“An interesting Caol Ila, starting gently then quickly blossoming into full distillery character.” 

In a sentence: This delicious Caol Ila expands on all the expected characters; coal-tar and bonfire aromas, a firm, crisp taste, sweetness turning to salt, and a pleasing finish with charred smoke. 

Appearance: Bright 18-carat gold. Exceptional beading. 

Nose: Mellow in feel, with light prickle. Clean and fresh throughout, with vaguely medicinal notes and the faint smokiness of an extinguished beach-bonfire always there behind them. The first impression is mildly medicinal, as with the aroma of an antiseptic cream. An elusive pastry note lies beneath on a base of freshly laundered linen. The medicinal notes increase in the development, then subside with water, which brings out a note of damp wool, like a freshly washed jumper. 

Body: Medium.  

Palate: A smooth texture and a sweet start; clean, noticeably smoky and leaving a trail as clear as a lit gunpowder fuse. A shake of salt for balance. The taste becomes sweeter with a splash of water, no more, when there is also light acidity and more salt. Surprisingly mild, compared to the taste at natural strength. And delicious. 

 Finish: Long and pleasantly hot, while a last lightly charred, spicy note lingers in the aftertaste. With water, the heat subsides, and the spiciness lingers. 

 About Caol Ila

Nestled on the eastern edge of Islay since 1846 lies Caol Ila. Whose name is the Gaelic for “The Sound of Islay” – the narrow stretch of sea that separates Islay from the neighbouring island of Jura. The Sound of Islay is known as an oasis of calm where the air stills and the sea quietens to a whisper. Facing eastward, Caol Ila is one of the first distilleries on Islay to feel the warmth of the morning sun. Where every 24 hours, first light dances across The Sound of Islay, illuminating a fleeting path to the distillery’s door.  

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. 

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.  

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. 

 Provided by Coal Ila