Whisky Review/Tasting: Caol Ila Unpeated 17 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Caol Ila Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Unpeated, matured for 17 years, primarily in ex-bourbon casks. The whisky is a special release, distilled once a year during a period when the distillery equipment is cleaned of peat residues, allowing for an unpeated batch.
Age Statement: 17 years.
Color: Bright golden sunlight.
Clarity: Good bedding, indicating clarity and quality.
Bottle Design: Standard bottle for Caol Ila, part of Diageo's special releases with well-made boxes and presentations.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of fruity, sweet, and smoky flavors with a rich palate and a medium to long finish.
Unique Characteristics: Despite being unpeated, there's a light smokiness, alongside strong vanilla, mandarin, toffee, and ginger notes. The whisky is known for its oiliness, sometimes described as waxy.
Comparison: This unpeated version showcases Caol Ila's versatility, differing significantly from its typically peaty expressions. It offers a glimpse into the distillery's inherent flavors without the dominant peat smoke.

Production Anecdote: The unpeated whisky is produced once a year when the distillery undergoes cleaning and maintenance, removing the peat residues from the equipment. This allows for a batch of unpeated whisky to be distilled, showcasing a different side of Caol Ila.
Historical Context: Caol Ila, established in 1846 near Port Askaig, has a rich history, including traditional methods of power and modern innovations like using the sea for cooling hot processed water.

Geographical Significance: Caol Ila, meaning "Sound of Islay" in Gaelic, is deeply rooted in its Islay heritage, with traditional and modern practices reflecting its coastal environment.
Cultural Impact: The distillery's contribution to blends like Johnny Walker and J&B highlights its importance in the Scotch whisky industry, with this unpeated expression offering a unique insight into its distillate's versatility.

"This is a really complex, good one, a very untypical Caol Ila, but it shows what the aromas, the oiliness of Caol Ila is if you remove the smokiness on top of it." - Horst Luening, Mastertaster of whisky.com.
"It's quite rare to have some impressions of saltiness with whisky... the saltiness may come back by the maturation the maturing cask close to the sea."

Caol Ila 17 Years Unpeated is a special release showcasing a different side of the typically peaty distillery.
Matured in ex-bourbon casks, it offers a complex balance of fruity, sweet, and lightly smoky flavors.
The production of this unpeated expression is tied to the distillery's annual cleaning process.
It holds cultural and geographical significance, reflecting the heritage and practices of Islay.
Expert opinions highlight its complexity and uniqueness, making it a sought-after expression for enthusiasts.

Peat Lovers Curious About Unpeated Expressions: This whisky offers a unique opportunity to explore the inherent flavors of Caol Ila without the dominant peat smoke.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for complex, aged whiskies will appreciate the depth and nuances of this expression.
Collectors: Given its special release status and unique profile, it's a must-have for collectors seeking rare or unusual expressions from Islay.