Caol Ila 12 year 1 litre OLD VERSION 1 Single Islay Malt Whisky 43%

The yellow banderole. The older design. A litre of Caol Ila 12 Years from the time before the redesign settled in. For those who remember the original bottle shape – and for those who simply want more Caol Ila per bottle than the standard 70 cl.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 12 Years Old Version (1 litre) is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled by Diageo at 43% in an older bottle design with a yellow banderole.

Caol Ila 12 Years is the distillery's flagship and the backbone of many blended whiskies – including Johnnie Walker. The official 12 Years is bottled at 43% and gives an accessible, fresh and maritimely peated introduction to the distillery's character.

This 1-litre version in the older design is now discontinued – replaced by the modernised design. The contents are unchanged: classic Caol Ila with light, fresh peat smoke, fruity sweetness and maritime saltiness.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh and clean. Citrus, seaweed and light peat smoke that is more Islay-nudge than decisively heavy. A touch of sweetness and a little fresh oak.

Palate

Light and fruity. Lemon, green apples and vanilla with Caol Ila's characteristic fresh and maritime smoke. A whisky that is more drinkable than its peated origins might suggest.

Finish

Relatively short and fresh. Smoke and citrus with a light, salty trace.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 12 Years Old Version (1 litre)
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 43%
Size: 100 CL
EAN no.: 5000281019390

Flavour profile

Peated · Fruity · Fresh · Maritime · Approachable

Did you know?

Caol Ila produces approximately 6.4 million litres of pure alcohol per year – and the vast majority goes directly to Diageo's blended whiskies such as Johnnie Walker. The official single malt range is only a small share of what is actually distilled.

See our full range of Caol Ila Whisky

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 12 Years Old Version 1 litre

Is Caol Ila 12 Years 1 litre Old Version worth it?

Yes, for those who like the classic Caol Ila 12 Years and want more in the bottle. At 43% and in the older design, the taste is unchanged – a fresh and maritimely peated Islay whisky.

Is this design discontinued?

Yes. The older bottle design with yellow banderole has been replaced by a modernised look. The contents – Caol Ila 12 Years at 43% – are the same.

What does Caol Ila 12 Years taste like?

Fresh citrus, green apples and light peat smoke with maritime notes. One of the more approachable Islay single malts.

Is Caol Ila 12 Years good for beginners?

Yes. At 43% and with a fresh, non-heavy smoke profile it is an ideal starting point. See also our range of Islay Whisky for similar expressions.

What is Caol Ila used for in blends?

Caol Ila is one of the key components in Johnnie Walker – the distillery's fresh, maritime smoke gives the characteristic Islay note in the blend.

What is Caol Ila?

Caol Ila is owned by Diageo and contributes malt primarily to Johnnie Walker blends. The distillery is Islay's largest, yet far less well-known than its neighbours.

What is the difference between 70 cl and 1 litre?

The same whisky, more contents. The 1-litre bottle gives around 30% more whisky and is typically more economical per centilitre.