Caol Ila 2012/2022 Signatory Vintage 9 years old Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky 46%

Signatory Vintage's Un-Chillfiltered Collection is exactly what it says: whisky bottled without chill filtration, in its natural form. From hogsheads 319473 and 319477, distilled in June 2012 and bottled in February 2022 – nine years and eight months in oak.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 2012/2022 Signatory Vintage 9 Years The Un-Chillfiltered Collection is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in two hogshead casks (nos. 319473 and 319477), bottled at 46% without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Signatory Vintage's Un-Chillfiltered Collection is the accessible line – a step lower in strength than the Cask Strength Collection, but with the same philosophy: selected casks, natural colour and no manipulation. The result is a whisky you can enjoy neat without adding water.

Caol Ila's maritime smoke at 46% is balanced and light. The hogshead casks from 2012 have given nine years of oak structure – classic Caol Ila with good body.

Tasting notes

Nose

Classic Caol Ila: sea salt, light peat smoke and citrus. A soft vanilla undertone from the hogshead casks and a hint of seaweed.

Palate

Balanced and light. Smoke, maritime notes and a little honey. Body and freshness in good harmony – accessible and clean.

Finish

Moderate and fresh. Smoke fades gently with citrus and salt carrying through.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 2012/2022 Signatory Vintage 9 Years The Un-Chillfiltered Collection
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 9 years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Hogsheads
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 28/06/2012
Bottled: 03/02/2022
EAN no.: 5021944116140

Flavour profile

Peated · Maritime · Fresh · Citrus · Balanced

Did you know?

Chill filtration removes the fatty acids and proteins that give whisky its body and flavour intensity. Bottling without chill filtration preserves these – which is why many collectors and enthusiasts specifically seek 'non chill-filtered' bottlings.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 2012/2022 Signatory Vintage 9 Years Un-Chillfiltered

Is Caol Ila Signatory 2012 Un-Chillfiltered Collection worth it?

Yes, for those seeking an accessible and well-made Caol Ila from a respected bottler. Nine years, 46% and no chill filtration give more depth than many comparable accessible bottlings.

What is Signatory Vintage's Un-Chillfiltered Collection?

A series focusing on selected casks bottled at around 46% – more approachable than the Cask Strength Collection but with the same philosophy of natural colour and no chill filtration.

What is chill filtration?

A process removing fatty acids and proteins to prevent whisky from turning cloudy with ice or water. It also removes flavour compounds and body. Non-chill-filtered bottlings are typically more complex.

What does Caol Ila 2012 Signatory taste like?

Sea salt, light peat smoke, citrus and vanilla. Classic and balanced Caol Ila at an accessible strength.

Is this a good gift?

Yes – a reliable and well-regarded expression from an established house, ready to drink without preparation.

What is Signatory Vintage?

An Edinburgh-based independent bottler founded in 1988 with over 4,000 single casks to its name. They own Edradour Distillery.

What is Caol Ila?

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.

What is Islay'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.