Caol Ila 2010/2023 Old Malt Cask 13 years old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50%

Caol Ila's peat smoke and the dried-fruit sweetness of a sherry butt pull in different directions – but they find each other. Hunter Laing selected this Oloroso sherry butt for the Old Malt Cask series, and after 13 years the result shows exactly what a well-matched cask marriage can produce.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 2010/2023 Old Malt Cask 13 Years is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in a single Oloroso sherry butt, bottled at 50% without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Hunter Laing & Co. is one of Scotland's most respected independent whisky families, with roots in Glasgow since 1949. Old Malt Cask is the company's classic series – single casks, natural colour, always at 50%. This cask yielded 769 bottles, distilled in August 2010 and bottled in October 2023.

Caol Ila on an Oloroso sherry butt is not the obvious choice – the distillery uses primarily bourbon casks for its official range. The sherry cask adds a layer of dried fruit and chocolate that softens the smoke and brings winey depth.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sherry-dried fruit – raisins and plums – meets Caol Ila's typical salty smoke. A hint of dark chocolate in the background.

Palate

Soft and full. Smoke is present but tamed by the sherry cask. Dried figs, cloves and salted-caramel sweetness make it complex without heaviness.

Finish

Moderately long. Smoke fades gently with dried fruit and a light touch of bitter dark chocolate at the end.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 2010/2023 Old Malt Cask 13 Years
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Hunter Laing & Co.
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 13 years
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Single cask – Oloroso sherry butt
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: August 2010
Bottled: October 2023
Number of bottles: 769
Series: Old Malt Cask
EAN no.: 5060354285510

Flavour profile

Peated · Sherry-matured · Fruity · Creamy · Spiced

Did you know?

Hunter Laing & Co. is one of the few independent bottling families in Scotland remaining under the same family ownership since its founding. The company also operates Ardnahoe Distillery – Islay's newest distillery, opened in 2019.

See our full range of Caol Ila Whisky

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 2010/2023 Old Malt Cask 13 Years

Is the Caol Ila Old Malt Cask 2010 worth it?

For those seeking a Caol Ila with sherry depth and 13 years of maturation from a respected house, yes. 769 bottles from a single cask, Hunter Laing's careful selection and bottling at 50% without dilution make a compelling case.

What does the sherry cask do to Caol Ila's smoke?

The Oloroso sherry butt adds dried fruit, chocolate and spice, softening the smoke and giving a winier depth. The result is more complex and sweeter than standard bottlings.

What is the Old Malt Cask series?

Hunter Laing's classic single-cask series, established in the 1990s. All bottlings are from single casks, without chill filtration and with natural colour, always at 50%.

What is Hunter Laing & Co.?

A Glasgow-based independent whisky family with history dating to 1949. They also operate Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay.

What does a 13-year Caol Ila on sherry taste like?

Raisins, plums and chocolate alongside Caol Ila's maritime smoke and salt. Complex and well balanced.

Should I add water?

A single drop of water can open the aromas and soften the alcohol. Always try the whisky neat first and adjust from there.

Which glass do I use?

A tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn is ideal – it concentrates the aromas and brings out the balance. See our range of whisky glasses.

How many bottles are there?

769 bottles from this single cask. None produced since.