Caol Ila 2014/2022 Murray McDavid 8 years old Isle of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50%

Pauillac is Bordeaux at its finest – Lafite, Mouton, Latour. When casks from one of the world's most celebrated wine regions meet Caol Ila's Islay smoke, something unexpected happens: the powerful wine residue in the wood gives a peaty and fruity note rarely found at the distillery.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 2014/2022 Murray McDavid 8 Years Benchmark Series is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in Pauillac wine casks, bottled at 50% without chill filtration and with natural colour. 1,399 bottles.

Pauillac casks come from the Pauillac wine district in Bordeaux – home to Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild and Latour. The casks are laden with red Bordeaux wine and add tannin-rich, fruity and slightly earthy notes to spirits that have rested in them.

Murray McDavid's Benchmark Series puts the distillate's character at the centre and finds casks that lift it without overpowering it. Eight years and 50% in Pauillac casks give a Caol Ila with an unexpected winey depth.

Tasting notes

Nose

Smoke and dark fruit – blueberry and cherry from the wine cask, with Caol Ila's salty maritime smoke in the background. A hint of earth and tannins.

Palate

Smoke and wine sweetness in good balance. Dark berry fruit, salt and a touch of Bordeaux tannins. Good body at 50%.

Finish

Peat and fruit alternate in a medium-length finish with a light, dried fruit note at the end.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 2014/2022 Murray McDavid 8 Years Benchmark – Pauillac Wine Casks
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Murray McDavid
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 8 years
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Pauillac wine casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2014
Bottled: 2022
Number of bottles: 1,399
Series: Benchmark Series
EAN no.: 5060353303567

Flavour profile

Peated · Winey · Dark Fruit · Fresh · Tannic

Did you know?

Pauillac is home to three of the world's five classified Premier Cru chateaux in Bordeaux. Casks that have held wines from these estates are rare and highly sought after in the whisky world.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 2014/2022 Murray McDavid 8 Years Pauillac

Is Caol Ila Murray McDavid Pauillac casks worth it?

Yes, for those seeking a winey and unusual Caol Ila expression. Pauillac casks from Bordeaux are rare in whisky, and the combination with Caol Ila's smoke is unique.

What are Pauillac casks?

Casks that previously held wine from the Pauillac district in Bordeaux – one of the world's most celebrated wine regions. The casks carry notes of dark fruit and tannins.

What does Caol Ila taste like with Pauillac casks?

Dark berry fruit, Bordeaux tannins and Caol Ila's maritime smoke and salt. Winey, complex and distinctive.

What is Murray McDavid's Benchmark Series?

A series of larger batches putting experimental cask combinations at the centre. Murray McDavid always works without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Is this good for people who enjoy both wine and whisky?

Yes, an excellent starting point for those who appreciate both. The wine cask character is clear without overpowering the whisky's smoke.

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.

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.