Caol Ila 5 year old Murray McDavid Justino Maderia Cask finish Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky alc 51,5%

Five years is a short time. But Murray McDavid knew what they had – a young, vibrant Caol Ila distillate that needed a pivot point. Justino Madeira casks from the Atlantic island provided it: a sweet, slightly oxidised wine sweetness meeting the young smoke halfway.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 5 Years Murray McDavid Benchmark Series Justino Madeira Cask Finish is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled in 2018, bottled in 2023 at 51.5% with a Justino Madeira cask finish, without chill filtration and with natural colour.

Murray McDavid is a Scottish bottler with a long history and a clear philosophy: find interesting casks, experiment with unexpected combinations and bottle with respect for the distillate's character. The Benchmark Series is the line of larger batches – this batch yielded 1,803 bottles.

Justino Madeira's casks – from the Portuguese Atlantic island – are known for their sweet, nutty and lightly oxidised profile. Caol Ila's young smoke meets it and produces an expression both fresh and surprisingly complex for its age.

Tasting notes

Nose

Young, fresh Caol Ila smoke meets sweet, nutty Madeira notes. Dried fruit, a warm spice note and a hint of salt.

Palate

Light and fresh with a sweet Madeira frame around Caol Ila's smoke. Toffee, light citrus and a slightly medicinal edge showing the distillate's youth.

Finish

Relatively short but fresh. Smoke and Madeira sweetness close with light saltiness and a little pepper.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 5 Years Murray McDavid Benchmark Series Justino Madeira Cask Finish
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Murray McDavid
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 5 years
ABV: 51.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Finished in Justino Madeira casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2018
Bottled: 2023
Number of bottles: 1,803
Series: Benchmark Series
EAN no.: 5060353304618

Flavour profile

Peated · Fruity · Sweet · Fresh · Nutty

Did you know?

Justino Madeira is one of the oldest wine houses on Madeira, founded in 1870. Their casks carry flavour and aroma from decades of dessert wine – that is the heritage they lend to whisky finishes.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 5 Years Murray McDavid Justino Madeira

Is Caol Ila 5 Years Murray McDavid Madeira Cask Finish worth it?

Yes, for those wanting to try an unusual cask combination. The Justino Madeira finish adds sweetness and complexity rarely found in five-year bottlings, and the pairing with Caol Ila's smoke is genuinely surprising.

What is a Madeira Cask Finish?

The whisky underwent a finishing period in casks that previously held Madeira dessert wine from the Portuguese Atlantic island. This contributes sweetness, nutty notes and lightly oxidised fruit.

What is Murray McDavid's Benchmark Series?

The company's line of larger batches, focused on accessibility and experimental cask combinations. The benchmark is finding interesting pairings of distillate and cask.

Can you drink a 5-year-old whisky?

Absolutely. Scottish law requires a minimum of three years for Scotch Whisky. A 5-year-old with a good finish can have genuine finesse and complexity.

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.

What does a Madeira Cask Finish taste like?

Sweet, nutty and lightly oxidised – with dried fruit, raisins and a soft caramel sweetness from the dessert wine.

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 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.