Caol Ila 2014/2021 Murray McDavid 6 year old Single Islay Malt Whisky 50%

The world of Cognac and Islay whisky rarely meet – they pull in very different directions. But Murray McDavid found a cask that made them listen to each other: a bourbon hogshead with a finish in first-fill Cognac casks, and Caol Ila's smoke blending with the French spirit's sweetness.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 2014/2021 Murray McDavid 6 Years Benchmark Series is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in bourbon hogshead casks with a finish in first-fill Cognac casks (nos. 1925785/193/194), bottled at 50% without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Murray McDavid's Benchmark Series systematically experiments with unusual cask combinations in larger batches. This batch produced 1,694 bottles. The 14-month finish in Cognac casks contributes a sweet, lightly winey complexity lifting it above a simple bourbon profile.

Caol Ila at six years is fresh and direct – the smoke is clear, the distillate body is present, and the Cognac finish adds a sweeter frame without erasing the distillate's maritime character.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sweet and smoky at once. Sweet peat, ginger and apple – the Cognac cask adds a lightly fruity glow behind Caol Ila's typical maritime smoke.

Palate

Soft and fruity with good body. Caramel and smoke meet notes of ginger and apple. The Cognac sweetness is discreet but notable.

Finish

Clean and fresh with salted caramel and a light medicinal Caol Ila note at the end.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 2014/2021 Murray McDavid 6 Years Benchmark – 1st Fill Cognac Cask Finish
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Murray McDavid
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 6 years
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon hogshead with finish in 1st fill Cognac casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2014
Bottled: 2021
Number of bottles: 1,694
Series: Benchmark Series
EAN no.: 5060353302683

Flavour profile

Peated · Fruity · Sweet · Creamy · Fresh

Did you know?

Cognac casks are rare in whisky – they come from France and have typically held grape spirit for many years. Their nutty and fruity profile lends a completely different wininess than sherry or port casks.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 2014/2021 Murray McDavid 6 Years Cognac

Is Caol Ila Murray McDavid 2014 Cognac finish worth it?

Yes – Cognac casks are rare in whisky and the combination with Caol Ila's smoke is unusual. 1,694 bottles at 50% without chill filtration from Murray McDavid is a compelling combination.

What does a Cognac finish do to whisky?

Cognac casks add a sweet, nutty and lightly winey complexity. They give fruity notes of apricot and grapes – different from sherry casks, which are darker and more vinous.

What is Murray McDavid's Benchmark Series?

A series of larger batches focusing on experimental cask combinations. Here Caol Ila distillate is paired with an unusual French cask finish.

What does Caol Ila 2014 Cognac finish taste like?

Sweet peat, ginger, apple and caramel with a soft Cognac sweetness – and Caol Ila's maritime character preserved throughout.

What is Murray McDavid as a bottler?

A Scottish independent bottler with a philosophy of experimenting with unusual cask combinations. Always without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Should I drink it with 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 is best?

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

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.