Few distilleries combine tradition and modernity as effectively as Caol Ila.
The distillery is one of Scotland’s most remote, nestled in a cove in Port Askaig, on the tip of Islay. It overlooks the ferocious Sound of Islay, from which it takes its name, and looks across to Jura.
A pier was built in front of it in the 1860s, and for the next 100 years or so, two steamers a week were dropping off raw materials to it, and taking spirit away. But for all the quaintness, Caol Ila is an industrial giant, an island colossus, and to meet the growing demands on it, has been rebuilt on a couple of occasions, including an expansion in 2010.
*All Fable Whiskies come in a beautifully embossed box with each bottle wrapped in durable gifting paper, and topped with a rubberised wax seal – which reflects the truly great quality of this spirit.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose initially has a BBQ smoky component, lemon salt, bacon, ash, sea air, liquorice, toasted bread. With water it becomes softer, fresh coastal notes, seaweed.
Palate
Leathery, honeyed sweetness, toasted seeded bread, white pepper, all spice, clove lemon drops.
Finish
Medium - Long, smoked meats, light but full bodied, well balanced, charred lemon skin, oatcakes.
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