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

The sound between Islay and Jura lies like a ribbon of cold grey water, and right there – facing the current – stands Caol Ila looking across towards Jura's peaks. This is where the smoke comes from: not the heavy, tarry south-island smoke, but something lighter, saltier, more maritime. This bottle is an older release from the 1990s: one litre with a yellow banderole.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 12 Years 1 litre OLD VERSION is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 43% – a rare older version in a litre bottle with a yellow banderole from the 1990s.

Caol Ila has produced a 12-year expression under changing owners since the 1970s, and the litre format was for many years part of the classic duty and export bottlings. This version with the yellow banderole is discontinued and carries a design from an era nothing like the current Caol Ila bottle.

The distillery sits at Port Askaig on Islay's north-east coast. It was demolished and rebuilt from scratch in 1972, with production resuming in 1974. Malt comes from Port Ellen Maltings at around 30-35 ppm. Maturation is primarily in refill ex-bourbon casks, giving the light colour and clean, fresh character.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh and maritime. Lemon peel and green apple first, then a breath of soft peat smoke, seaweed and a hint of almond oil. Freshly cut grass and a faint sweetness in the background.

Palate

Good oily texture. Elegant smoke, tar and boiled sweets with citrus zest and a salted, briny edge. Pepper and a lightly medicinal note recalling Islay's heritage.

Finish

Long and peppery. The smoke becomes more ashy towards the end, with lemon, lime and a soft sweetness settling in.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 12 Years 1 litre OLD VERSION
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 43%
Size: 100 CL
Cask type: Refill ex-bourbon casks
Edition: OLD VERSION – yellow banderole, 1990s
EAN no.: 5000281019390

Flavour profile

Peated · Maritime · Fresh · Citrus · Oily

Investment potential

Low to Medium. The discontinued litre bottle with yellow banderole has collector appeal – the format and 1990s design rarely appear on the market.

Did you know?

Caol Ila means 'Sound of Islay' in Gaelic – the very strait the distillery overlooks towards Jura. The view from the still house across the Paps of Jura is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Scottish whisky country.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 12 Years 1 litre OLD VERSION

Is Caol Ila 12 Years 1 litre OLD VERSION worth it?

For those seeking older Caol Ila in the classic design, yes. The discontinued litre bottle with yellow banderole is a piece of collector history, and the whisky drinks well as a classic Islay expression.

What is the yellow banderole?

The yellow banderole is characteristic of Caol Ila's bottlings from the 1990s, now replaced by the current design. Bottles with the old design are discontinued and sought by collectors.

What is the difference between the 1 litre and 70 cl edition?

The contents are identical – 12-year Caol Ila at 43%. The litre format historically belonged to duty and export bottlings and is rarer than the standard 70cl.

Can this whisky be drunk now?

Absolutely. The whisky is in good condition and drinks well as the classic, fresh Caol Ila 12 Years it has always been.

What does Caol Ila 12 Years taste like?

Citrus, green apple and soft peat smoke with seaweed and pepper. Oily texture and a long, lightly medicinal finish.

What is Caol Ila's style?

Caol Ila's smoke profile is more restrained than Laphroaig or Lagavulin. Peat-based but maritime and relatively sweet, it suits those curious about peated whisky without wanting the heaviest expressions.

Where is the distillery?

Caol Ila sits at Port Askaig on Islay's north-east coast, directly overlooking the Sound of Islay towards Jura. The coastal setting shapes the whisky's salty, maritime character.

Who is the collector appeal aimed at?

Primarily whisky enthusiasts collecting older Caol Ila bottlings and those interested in classic Scottish label design from the 1990s.