Caol Ila 13 year old Gordon MacPhail The Discovery Range Islay Single Malt Whisky 43%

Gordon & MacPhail created the Discovery Range as a gateway to three styles: Sherry, Bourbon and Smoky. Caol Ila is – as one would expect – the Smoky expression. Thirteen years and 43% mean the smoke is accessible and rounded rather than edgy.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 13 Years Gordon & MacPhail The Discovery Range is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 43% – the third line in the Discovery Range series under the Smoky theme.

Gordon & MacPhail from Elgin is one of the world's oldest and most respected independent bottlers, founded in 1895. The Discovery Range is the company's most approachable series – created to give new and existing whisky drinkers access to classic regional characters without compromise.

Thirteen years in oak casks have given this Caol Ila a rounded, accessible smoke profile. It retains the distillery's maritime signature, but the lower strength of 43% makes it easy to enjoy without adding water.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh maritime notes lead – sea salt and seaweed. Then light peat smoke with citrus and a hint of vanilla.

Palate

Round and accessible. Smoke and freshness dominate with a light fruit sweetness and good balance. Lightly spiced with pepper in the tail.

Finish

Moderate and clean. The smoke recedes gently with a maritime trace and a lightness that invites another sip.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 13 Years Gordon & MacPhail The Discovery Range
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 13 years
ABV: 43%
Size: 70 CL
Series: The Discovery Range – Smoky
EAN no.: 5020613067660

Flavour profile

Peated · Maritime · Fresh · Approachable · Lightly Spiced

Did you know?

Since 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has stored casks from distilleries that have long since closed. The company holds some of the world's oldest active whisky stocks and has bottled whiskies over 80 years old.

See our full range of Caol Ila Whisky

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 13 Years Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Range

Is Caol Ila Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Range worth it?

Yes, especially for those wanting an accessible and well-balanced Islay whisky. Thirteen years and Gordon & MacPhail's long expertise deliver a reliable and well-rounded expression.

What is Gordon & MacPhail's Discovery Range?

A series of three expressions – Sherry, Bourbon and Smoky – designed to present classic Scottish regional characters in an approachable way.

What is Gordon & MacPhail as a bottler?

An Elgin-based bottler founded in 1895 – one of the world's oldest and most respected. They hold their own stocks including casks from distilleries closed decades ago.

Is Caol Ila 13 Years from Gordon & MacPhail good for beginners?

Yes. At 43% and 13 years it gives a rounded, accessible smoke profile. A good introduction to Islay whisky without the heaviest expressions.

What is the difference between the Discovery Range expressions?

The Sherry expression is winey and dark, the Bourbon expression is fresher and lighter, and the Smoky expression – this Caol Ila – centres on peat smoke and maritime notes.

What does Caol Ila 13 Years taste like?

Sea salt, seaweed and light peat smoke with citrus, vanilla and gentle spice. Clean and accessible.

What is Caol Ila distillery?

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.

Who is Caol Ila a good gift for?

An excellent gift for anyone curious about Islay whisky without wanting the most intense expressions. See See our full range of Islay Whisky for similar whiskies.