Caol Ila 2012/2021 Lady of the Glen 9 years old Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 58,3%

Most people associate Caol Ila with bourbon or sherry. Lady of the Glen chose an ex-white wine cask – and it turns out Islay smoke handles itself surprisingly well alongside the light, fresh wine residue. 307 bottles from cask no. 311196.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 2012/2021 Lady of the Glen 9 Years is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in a single ex-white wine cask (no. 311196), bottled at cask strength 58.3% without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Lady of the Glen is an Edinburgh-based independent bottler founded by Gregor Hannah. The philosophy is single cask, cask strength and no compromises. White wine casks are unusual in whisky – lighter and fresher than sherry casks, they add a delicate fruitiness rather than vinous weight.

Nine years in a white wine cask from 2012 gives a Caol Ila that keeps its maritime smoke but adds an unexpected freshness and fruitiness. 307 bottles is all that exists.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh and surprising – light citrus fruit and white flowers meet Caol Ila's salty smoke. A clear contrast between the heavy distillate and the light cask.

Palate

Smoke and freshness in balance. Citrus, fresh pear and maritime notes with good body. The white wine cask gives unexpected lightness without removing Caol Ila's signature.

Finish

Medium-length with fresh smoke and a clean, lightly winey note at the end. Cleaner and lighter than most Caol Ila bottlings.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 2012/2021 Lady of the Glen 9 Years
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Lady of the Glen
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 9 years
ABV: 58.3%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Single cask – ex-white wine cask
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2012
Bottled: 2021
Number of bottles: 307

Flavour profile

Peated · Fresh · Fruity · Maritime · Light

Did you know?

Lady of the Glen is named after the ballad poem 'The Lady of the Lake' by Sir Walter Scott from 1810 – a tribute to Scotland and its nature. The bottler works exclusively with single cask and cask strength.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 2012/2021 Lady of the Glen 9 Years

Is Caol Ila Lady of the Glen 2012 worth it?

For those seeking an unusual Caol Ila expression, yes. An ex-white wine cask is rare – and 307 bottles, 58.3% and single cask from Lady of the Glen make it a selective bottling.

What makes an ex-white wine cask different?

White wine casks give a lighter, fresher profile than sherry casks. Instead of dark dried fruit and chocolate, they contribute citrus, white flowers and a delicate fruitiness.

What is Lady of the Glen as a bottler?

An Edinburgh-based single cask house founded by Gregor Hannah. They work exclusively with single casks at cask strength and without chill filtration.

What does Caol Ila 2012 on a white wine cask taste like?

Fresh citrus, white flowers and pear meeting Caol Ila's maritime smoke and salt. Lighter and fresher than most Caol Ila bottlings.

How many bottles are there?

307 bottles from a single ex-white wine cask. None produced since.

Is 58.3% very strong?

It is a high cask strength. Try the whisky neat first and gradually add a drop of water to open the aromas.

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. 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 Islay's whisky 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.