Caol Ila 2009/2023 Signatory Vintage 13 years old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 57.5%

In December 2009, new make spirit ran into a bourbon hogshead at Caol Ila. The cask sat for thirteen years, and when Signatory Vintage opened it again in May 2023, only 276 bottles came out. That kind of bottling is a reminder that whisky is time.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 2009/2023 Signatory Vintage 13 Years is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky from a single bourbon hogshead (cask no. 322858), bottled at cask strength 57.5% without chill filtration and with natural colour. 276 bottles.

Signatory Vintage is one of Scotland's most experienced independent bottlers and has operated Edradour Distillery since 2002. The Cask Strength Collection is the purest line – single casks bottled directly without dilution. 276 bottles is all this cask gave.

Caol Ila supplies its distillate primarily to Diageo's blends, which is precisely why single-cask bottlings like this are rare and sought after. Thirteen years in bourbon oak have produced a Caol Ila with more concentration and depth than the official range.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sea salt and seaweed open, followed by vanilla and honey from the bourbon wood. Smoky toffee and citrus peel underline the age.

Palate

Rich and concentrated. Smoke, salty liquorice and fruity sweetness – apricot and papaya – alternate with soft oak. Cask strength calls for a drop of water.

Finish

Long and warming. Smoke persists with dried herbs and a hint of dark chocolate in the tail.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 2009/2023 Signatory Vintage 13 Years
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 13 years
ABV: 57.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Single cask – bourbon hogshead
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 08/12/2009
Bottled: 24/05/2023
Number of bottles: 276
Series: Cask Strength Collection
EAN no.: 5021944123209

Flavour profile

Peated · Maritime · Toffee · Fruity · Powerful

Did you know?

Since 1988, Signatory Vintage has bottled over 4,000 single casks from more than 20 Scottish distilleries. They have owned Edradour – the smallest distillery in the Scottish Highlands – since 2002.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 2009/2023 Signatory Vintage 13 Years

Is the Caol Ila 2009 Signatory Vintage worth it?

With 276 bottles from a single cask and 13 years of maturation at cask strength, rarity and concentration speak for themselves. Signatory Vintage's Cask Strength Collection is a recognised benchmark for genuine, undiluted single-cask character.

What does cask strength mean – should I add water?

Cask strength means the whisky has not been diluted after maturation. It retains everything the cask gave it. A drop of water opens the aromas at 57.5% – start neat and adjust.

How many bottles of this Caol Ila exist?

Exactly 276 bottles from a single bourbon hogshead. None have been produced since.

What is Signatory Vintage's Cask Strength Collection?

A series of single casks bottled directly from the cask without dilution or chill filtration. Every batch is unique – when they are gone, they are gone.

What does Caol Ila taste like after 13 years in a bourbon hogshead?

Bourbon oak contributes vanilla, honey and toffee while Caol Ila's maritime smoke stays intact. The result is a richer, slightly sweeter Caol Ila with more depth than younger bottlings.

How should I store the bottle?

Store the bottle upright in a dark, cool place. Once opened, it keeps well for 1-3 years with a tight stopper.

Where is Caol Ila 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.

What is Signatory Vintage as a bottler?

An Edinburgh-based independent bottler founded in 1988. They own Edradour Distillery and are known for strict selection and uncompromising quality.