Caol Ila 9 Years Old Dram Mor Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 55,2%

Dram Mor chose a French oak Oloroso hogshead for their Caol Ila – and that is not obvious. Scotch whisky is traditionally matured in American oak. French oak is denser, more spiced and contributes differently to the aroma profile than its American counterpart.

Expert's description

Caol Ila 9 Years Dram Mor is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky finished in a French oak Oloroso hogshead, bottled at 55.2%. 288 bottles.

Dram Mor is an independent bottler specialising in single-cask bottlings with a focus on unusual cask combinations. The name is Gaelic for 'big dram'. French oak's denser structure gives more spice – cinnamon, cloves and a spicy dryness – combined with Oloroso sherry's fruitiness.

The existing tasting panel describes the whisky as 'sublime' with salted caramel, cigar smoke and stone fruits on the nose, and a massive, long-lasting finish. 288 bottles were bottled.

Tasting notes

Nose

Salted caramel and cigar smoke from the French oak meet Caol Ila's peat smoke and stone fruit. A complex and fascinating combination.

Palate

Intense and layered. Salted caramel, Oloroso sweetness and a depth of smoke and spice from the French oak. For those who want everything at once.

Finish

Massive and persistent. Smoke, fruit sweetness and spices hold without weakening for a long time – the kind of finish that rewards patience.

Specifications

Name: Caol Ila 9 Years Dram Mor French Oak Oloroso Hogshead
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Dram Mor
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 9 years
ABV: 55.2%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Single cask – finished in French oak Oloroso hogshead
Number of bottles: 288

Flavour profile

Peated · Oloroso-sweet · Spiced · Intense · Long-finishing

Did you know?

French oak (Quercus Robur) is denser and contains more tannin and spice than American white oak (Quercus Alba). It is traditionally used for the finest Bordeaux wines and is rare in Scotch whisky production.

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Frequently asked questions about Caol Ila 9 Years Dram Mor French Oak Oloroso

Is Caol Ila 9 Years Dram Mor worth it?

For those seeking an intense and unusual expression, yes. French oak and Oloroso sherry is a rare combination, and 288 bottles underline the exclusivity.

What is the difference between French and American oak?

French oak is denser and contributes more spice – cinnamon, cloves and a spicy dryness. American white oak gives more vanilla and coconut.

What is Dram Mor as a bottler?

An independent single-cask bottler focusing on unusual cask combinations. The name is Gaelic for 'big dram'.

What does Caol Ila Dram Mor taste like?

Salted caramel, cigar smoke and stone fruit on the nose, with an intense and massive finish of smoke, fruit sweetness and spices.

Is 55.2% very strong?

Yes, it is a high cask strength. Try it neat first and add a drop of water to open the aromas. That is often where the best flavour notes emerge.

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.

What is Oloroso sherry?

A dry, oxidised sherry from Jerez, Spain, with nutty, fruit and spiced notes. Darker and richer than Fino and Manzanilla.