whisky review 94 - Caol Ila 12yo

[@vigil12348]

You buy your new malt, after dinner you get the family to sleep, than you sit down, you tone down the light, play some Eagles' Desperado, you get your Caol Ila in a white wine glass (cause in your country they think Glencairn is something that comes from Mars) and a glass of water, you nose and taste this wonderful stuff, and for the second sip you put Ralfy's review on and learn something about your whisky while you are enjoying it - PRICELESS!!!

[@Sulkanator]

Why would anyone give Ralfy a thumbs down? Ralfy is the MAN from the Isle of Man!

[@ahpyis4251]

Ralfy for President 2016

[@fiveredpears]

Caol Ila is a classic. Way more subtle than Laphroaig. I think it's bit like a mellow Talisker. I'm drinking some right now.

[@stormrealestate]

tried this last night. a good 18hrs, a desert, breakfast, lunch and 2 cups of coffee later I am still aware of the finish. Also, it was more than just a nose on this. Walked through the house with the glass in my hand and my wife could smell it from across the room. To my mind these are all good things!

[@jimnmag]

The best whisky is Caol Ila. Great aroma, and the after taste is stunning. The aroma is VERY smoky, and the taste is surprisingly VERY smooth. There is a very nice and subtle after taste about a second after you drink it. HIGHLY recommended.

[@patrickadonis7930]

instablaster...

[@Ibrahim-ok5yk]

I'm a Russian and i love Caol Ila and your reviews, dude) I know, i'm bad(& drunk) english speaker, but anyway, all my bad sound words is a compensating(right?) good sounds from my heart)) From Saint-Petersburg with love to you, Ralfy and all, who's love Scothc, generally, Islay whiskies, like I do!! correct me, if I'm wrong)

[@dennishibbins8610]

Bought a bottle from the shop that was marked down to $43 due to it being discontinued. The clerk said they started to fly off the shelf when the price dropped, which makes me think that Scotch prices are over inflated due to demand. ------- Caol Ila was much different than I expected and I was surprised that the peat/smoke flavors complimented rather than over powered it. This was a great intro to Islay Scotch, Thanks to Ralfy: My Malt Mentor

[@russellgough7801]

I've got a bottle of this the same age black box and everything. I bought it about 2007! I drink whisky very slowly :-)

[@DeftonE88]

I just got a bottle of this with the black box, I read on an independent review it was from around 2006-2011. Do you know how accurate this is? I’m fairly new to single malts and this info was all I could find

[@russellgough7801]

I bought this myself so it is accurate 🙂

[@HopZine]

I found this video as I needed to find out how to pronounce Caol Ila. I'm KZbin beer reviewer and was reviewing a imperial stout aged in Caol Ila barrels. Im not a whisky drinker but leant lots from this entertaining video. Cheers

[@Powerslider]

Having my first dram of this right now. The vegetal character of this whisky is VERY appealing to me. Takes me to childhood memories of forest adventures in just a few sips! It tastes so smooth, natural and friendly, even tho the peat is very much up there! Intriguing stuff!!!

[@w0033944]

Ah yes, I'm a new fan of this malt - I like the interplay of brine, vegetal peat-smoke and delicate fish oil (nicer than it sounds - more like grilled or baked mackerel than cod liver oil).

[@bobjones830]

Recently on the Bowmore Tempest review I asked for a recommendation for a neophyte to Islay whisky. You recommended Caol Ila 12. Thank-you very much. Picked one up yesterday and it has been my best whisky experience so far. Love the lingering smokey finish!

[@reflecteddetcelfer]

I love this drink, it is so real. Thank you for the review, and your joyous spirit. I am new to whiskey, and feel enormous trust in all that you present.

[@linusstick]

Being a new whisky enthusiast (I only have about 30) I find your videos addictive! Thanks for teaching me how to say Islay before I made a typical American mistake and made a fool of myself! Also I was wondering how long it would be before you got tripped up with coming up with an "m" word after malt. Keep up the great work!

[@DarkheartTheHeritic]

the bourbon makers mark is 45% i know this has nothing to do with caol lla but you were talking about alcahol strength so i thought i'd share cheers

[@posvid]

@Spartaque I bought a bottle of Macleods Islay and I'm pretty sure it's an 8 year old Lagavulin like you say. It has the oily legs of a Lagavulin but its youth gives it a more peppery taste. Very nice whisky for the price. Worth a review.

[@mowaby]

just got a bottle of this and it seems really reasonable at around $37.

[@Konsaliki]

It's a bit strange though, that the cask strength version of Coal Ila is easily available here in germany. I can give no account of it...

[@DaDutchGuy95]

I think the coal ila is a perfect starter whisky for those discovering the Islay! since it's slightly peaty yet smooth and fruity

[@burleigh14]

Hello Ralfy. Great reviews! I remember you said in a whisky review that it might not be a good idea for someone to start drinking whisky with a peaty whisky (like Caol Ila) because peat is not for everyone. In my case, it was the other way round. I started drinking whisky half a year ago and my first dram was this Caol Ila 12 yo and i loved it! I probably wouldn't be drinking whisky if my first dram had been something non-peaty. My suggestion: Always offer new whisky-mates both :)

[@olinowetz]

...a very refreshing drink that is. Just opened my first bottle. Love the citrus notes...thanks for your review!

[@nialljamesbuckley]

such a wonderful and underrated scotch! i'm so glad i found your channel!

[@cristianospeedtriple]

What a nice discover here! Very pleased to follow your great whisky reviews. Thank you very much, well done. Just watching while tasting my Talisker 10y

[@dustymiller1974]

Ralfy, you always mention independent bottling...what does this mean? Doesn't the distillery bottle? Thanks again for the great work!

[@kappyspad1]

Just tried this one for the first time tonight. Very nice. Great video, thanks

[@828japan]

This is my favourite Peated Islay whisky. Hands down favourite!

[@Bltz1075]

@ralfystuff - after trying a Bunnahabain, I tried the Caol Ila. I have a hard time with peated whiskies and my first dram tasted very medicinal. The peat flavor, imo, overwhelmed all other tastes. After a week I tried it again, and this time I got much more out of it. I knew exactly how much water to add (just a small splash in this case), and it was much more enjoyable. Can't say this is my favorite, but I'm starting to appreciate it more. For me, the jury is still out on peated whiskies.

[@nascarsuperman]

Hello Ralfy! Just recently I discovered your website (great stuff!!) I'm on a malt journey, so to speak, learning a lot! Just a little question about the caol ila: I wanted to buy me a bottle of Caol Ila 12yo at an internet shop. But then I spotted a bottle 10yo caol ila 1999 Signatory non chillfiltered and without the E150. Which one do you recommend? Keep it up Ralfy, great reviews! Greetings from The Netherlands.

[@MrJoris0123]

Very well presented out there. (Sometimes I miss the old room, oops shhh) What peated whisky is closest to ardbeg 10 and uigeadail ? This 12 yo caol ila, the caol ila cask strenght or a 12 yo lagavulin ? I'm thinking of buying one of those 3 friday after work. Oh, I was not too enthousiastic about the laphroaig 10 yo that I once tasted on a whisky-stand. Greetings :-)

[@neiogneidu]

It has such a natural taste, like a fine wine. It's a grower.

[@alsoyes3287]

Watched a couple videos. My shopping cart is now up to 9 bottles. I can't choose!

[@chadnardine8730]

Hello Ralfy! Love your reviews! Just wondering what you think about the Caol Ila Distillers Edition. Its sold out everywhere but if it pops up should I grab it? I love the 12 and the Talisker Distillers Edition. Thanks!

[@iagorincon]

I can't get over the fact that you watch Doctor Who. So cool.

[@greenwood130]

Hey Ralfy, I noticed you said Caol Ila was involved in blended whiskies like Black Label, and I have a feeling it plays a part in my favorite blend, Te Bheag. I was wondering what you think.

[@MrJoris0123]

@ralfystuff after a quick look on the internet I think they're not very available over here... Too bad. Hopefully I can taste on of these 3 in the shop and then make the decision wether or not im going to buy it. Greetings

[@johnandchristo1115]

Hi Ralfy, I found a bottle of Coal Ila, Loved your review so I purchased it. I have not not enjoyed a Whisky this much in some time. Thank you sir. (Don't worry the dog does not drink!)

[@GregLynn]

Considering the Diageo connection with Lagavulin, (and SIMILAR shaped and colored bottles!) Caol Ila has reminded me as a nice, cheaper alternative to Lagavulin. the peat flavor is quite similar to me (same peat supplier?)

[@palniok]

I recently tasted this and I was pretty amazed by the taste. Kind of smoky, citrusy, peaty, I might say pretty balanced (I'm an amateur, though). In comparison to Ardbeg 10yo I prefer this, as the latter is a bit too spicy for me. :)

[@insidemusician]

Just bought this one. It is defenitly worth all the money!

[@gregorskiff]

Ralfy, thank you for recommending this in whisky review #231, apologies for asking there, it was off topic. i just opened a bottle and this is very balanced and very very enjoyable thanks again for the recommendation. A good cigar to have along with this would be a Padron in the delicias vitola. Do you get your cigars from a local shop or do you mail order, if mail where do you order from??

[@Gashy42]

best scotch reviews on the Internet, hands down.

[@YummyPork]

Finally bought this one (duty free shop in Taiwan - passed on all the Kavalan caramel monsters). Besides easing the jet lag a bit, it is an extremely well balanced whiskey. Your description of the peat smoke as "integrated" is spot on. A long buried taste memory of McCarthy's Single Malt (Oregon) came to mind while drinking this. I had commented on your channel a while back how I didn't enjoy it. Caol Ila puts a different perspective on that past experience.

[@DeerHunter308]

When I discovered peated Scotch in 2013, I always said Is Lay (just like the Scotch Test Dummies), who I also appreciated at the time.

[@nascarsuperman]

@ralfystuff That's what I thought... Those 2 extra years in the cask doesn't make up for the chilll filtration and the E150 I guess. Plus, the 12yo is 43% and the 10yo is bottled at 46%. Thanks Ralfy, I'm going to buy the 10yo.

[@deinfluencing]

Hi Ralfy, we only get the signatory 1999 Caol Ila in Ontario, Canada. I think I've seen you with a bottle of it in another review, is that a good representation of Caol Ila? The specs are good, unchillfiltered, 46%, 11 years old...

[@infamousGSR]

i try and try to drink whiskey warm, and straight. Im a huge craft beer drinker and have a very developed palate in that area, but I would love to enjoy some nice whiskey for what it is, not to get drunk. Hopefully, I will be able to do this soon.

[@lovelymilkymilky]

Hi Ralfy, Unfortunately it is caramel coloured. On this side of the pond they have to specify it on the label and the 12 year old wears the mark.

[@grbadalamenti]

When Malt Mentions were not a thing. Had this dram today, not bad.❤

[@Formula400Pontiac]

I was about to order me a Cask strenght 12yo Lagavoulin but my retailer are out of stock. Is bottling of single malts like Lagavoulin done a typical time of the year or is it done continually the year around? It's been almost half a year since my last sip of Coal Ila. Love the Islay whiskey's

[@colinmontgomery521]

one of my all time favs

[@kidsafe]

Ralfy have you tried any of the unpeated bottlings of Caol Ila? Not very complex, but enjoyable nonetheless. I found that it didn't need a cut of water even at 66% (10-year / 2009).

[@shuboy05]

Lagavulin 12 is a limited release as in it's only released once a year with a limited amount of bottles.

[@blahblahbleebleeblah]

You seem extra jovial this time around. Me thinks you did several takes on the Caol Ila. Am I right? :)

[@thommmi01]

Watch the re-review from ralfy of this fine whisky if you haven't already. whisky review 432 - Caol Ila 12yo malt re-reviewed

[@duafa]

I got a bottle of this tonight, and I felt it tasted somewhat chemically. I am new to single malts, so I'm curious if its an immature pallet...

[@mattywhisk]

Hi Ralfy, our whisky club is offering Caol Ila 12 this month. Would your review (now a few years old) still be relevant or would this offering be different in some way?

[@fleshesposito]

Please, get a bottle of Caol Ila 18 yo when you can! Strongly recommended. That is a well balanced peaty whiskey. Big character, but smooth too. Like a giant brute with nice table manners.

[@AwesomeCatMeow]

first! haha, such a kidder. Love this dram, something velvety about its smoke. Thanks for the entertainment and information!

[@vigil12348]

@ralfystuff Hi Ralfy, is the main offering Clynelish peaty as (supposedly) the Brora's?

[@NickLightingale]

Diageo's peaty single malt style bottle - Talisker's and Lagavulin's have the same shape! Some etched glass on Lagavulin's coz it's sooooo special.

[@NagareboshiFin]

Thanks for the review of my favorite dram! It is my birthday, so this was a perfect present. But honestly, I don`t ever want this to be too popular, so I`ll get my bottles cheaper =) . There must be some Scottish blood in me `cause I am very strict when it comes to using money. ;)

[@bogliwan]

Hi Ralfy, As you say Caol Ila is not the sexiest distillery out there and produces lots of alcohol. Why then is the 18yo so expensive? more than HP 18yo for example. I'd like to try it but price has put me off.

[@konradvonmarburg7733]

Single malt scotch is the best. However, to get a bottle at a decent price (taxes) you have to hand over your firstborn son. I'm having some Aberlour A.bunadh right now. Not sure what batch. 60.9% alc.

[@Ridabu]

Fantastic review.

[@chrish12345]

Ralfy it it really worth splashing out on this when I've already had a couple of bottles of the official botting cask strength? Or should I just save up for another one of those?

[@arglynn]

Ralfy, thank you so much for recommending this to me. Got it for a good price in Ohio. How about this for a malt mention: "Maxillary Molars" the most powerful of teeth. This better not have been used before...

[@HomleandSecurity]

This is my favourite. I'll take Talisker and Highland Park, but Caol Ila is liquid gold.

[@johnandchristo1115]

Have poured the last drop. still love it, thanks ralfy.

[@posvid]

I can't get Caol Ila where I live but I can get Macleods Islay Malt (8 year). Do you think that's Caol Ila? I've read reviews that say it's Lagavulin but that seems a bit unlikely considering the budget price of the Macleods.

[@-LSTR-]

I did:) And it was wonderful, exactly my style of Scotch. Too bad they seem to have discontinued it, instead they only put out older stuff thats even less affordable :(

[@JuliusSP1]

Hey Ralfy, I'm curious if you've ever reviewed or have yet to review a whisky that is a 90 plus rating in your estimation? And if so, which are they?? Thanks!

[@NecronomThe4th]

Hey Ralfy! I saw on the malt maniacs monitor that you gave a crazy 93 mark to the 2011 bottling of caol ila 12. Is it that great ?

[@p1zuzu]

great song ralfy.

[@LevitatorMusic]

My wife and I just enjoyed our first Whisky in Highland Park 12. We both wish it were a little more peaty and a little sweeter. Would you say this would be a little sweeter and peatier than HP 12?

[@pauldavies9360]

LevitatorMusic definitely peatier but not sure about sweet it's been awhile since I drank HP

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

LevitatorMusic not sweeter to me, very dry, and acetic in a way, doesnt give me a sweet taste like a sherry cask or similar might, if aberlour 12 is a piece of nutella on toast, this is marmite on toast.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

LevitatorMusic thats said, i still quite liked it. i like marmite too though.

[@alexk3088]

I was just drinking both yesterday. To me HP12 is sweeter with just a touch of peat. Caol Ila 12 is a lighter, slightly drier spirit, but more peaty. Caol Ila to me is like Glenmorangie of Isla. If you want peatier AND sweeter... you'd probably want Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg Uigeadail...

[@flaanza]

Hi Ralfy, what does "hidden malt" mean? Is it a special variation or just a name? flaanza

[@greenwood130]

Hey Ralfy, I'm in Canada and i can't get my hands on 12yo Caol Ila but i can get some 18 yo Caol Ila, its a little expensive however, do you think its worth the purchase. Thanks

[@GregLynn]

hey Ralfy, let's expose and review independent bottlers, specifically BATTLE HILL and MCLELLAND'S!!! they show up here and there, we'd love to know more!!!

[@-LSTR-]

Dear Ralfy, Do you have any plans on reviewing the 18 yr old? After searching on the internet unsuccesfully (sold out), I accidentaly stumbled on one in a local store yesterday and it was only €50,- Should I grab it?

[@grbadalamenti]

After 10 years I can tell you to go for it😂😂😂

[@MrSuperiorKind]

@ralfystuff hi ralfy, i'm about to buy a btl of islay malt. between these malts talisker storm, caol ila 12 yrs old, lagavulin 16 yrs, bowmore 15 and laphroaig 10, which one would u recommend?

[@quickclot1]

I got some of this the other day. It's alright, I don't like it as much as glenmorangie or highland park.

[@NagareboshiFin]

Does Caol Ila-distillery have their own website? I haven`t found any...

[@MiguelDuarteOliveira]

Hi Ralfy, I love Caol Ila 12yo, but he has (mit farbstoff) caramel... :(

[@chrish12345]

I guess reputation has it that Caol Ila wears the bunnett, but for me it has real finesse, I see it as a female Lagavulin..?

[@phunkh0us3]

Wow looks almost like as great as a bottle as Lagavulin.

[@glytch5]

Is Mclellands islay mist a non branded coal ila?

[@krauz111]

just bought a 2010 bottle of this in mexico ,oh so good!

[@900nrg]

i love this whisky

[@BOOLsheet]

this tends to be the most expensive 12 (or younger) year old whisky in the states.

[@beerbrewer737]

Just bought my first bottle and thought I can delay opening. I was wrong.

[@XironRules]

An amazing whisky, buy buy buy !

[@red66charger]

Brilliant! I'm with mattfrancis on this! You may be in the wrong "business" Ralfy.

[@prestonw3878]

Autumnal!

[@Kirilskv]

What is the name of the song?

[@Rosstacular]

you mind as well be speaking another language ralfy but i still watch these

[@billyhughes9776]

I miss the shorter,....sweeter reviews Ralfy. Just an opinion.

[@deepspearos]

in my country a 12 yo coal ila is more expensive than many of good single malts

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

David Atallah but it is a good single malt!?

[@deepspearos]

john rickard it is worth it of course

[@deepspearos]

yes it is...after all every person have a different taste.BUT IF YOU LIKE SMOKEY single malts you should try this.

[@DarkheartTheHeritic]

@ralfystuff bloody hell is that even legal o_0

[@vigil12348]

@ralfystuff Thanks!

[@siemerssteve]

oh my god, ralfy - don't smash up your poor table, mate ;)