When new, unused oak meets Caol Ila's already robust smoke profile, something unexpected happens: instead of cancelling each other out, they pull in the same direction. Wilson & Morgan used Virgin Oak casks as a finish on this 8-year expression, and the result is a Caol Ila with a forceful character that surprises.
Expert's description
Caol Ila 2015/2023 Wilson & Morgan 8 Years is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in refill hogsheads with a finish in first-fill Virgin Oak casks, bottled at 57.1%.
Wilson & Morgan is an Italian, family-owned bottler founded in Barolo country in 1992 with a keen eye for Scottish casks. This is the 2nd batch of the series from Caol Ila, with cask numbers #314293-97 and #314299-301. 2,383 bottles were produced.
The Virgin Oak cask – never previously used – is intense: it contributes powerful notes of vanilla and coconut along with spice, but none of the buttery sweetness that a sherry cask would give. Combined with Caol Ila's maritime smoke, an aromatic backbone emerges that is clear and vivid.
Tasting notes
Nose
Warm vanilla and coconut from the Virgin Oak open, followed by Caol Ila's peat smoke and fresh citrus. A hint of cinnamon and cloves in the background.
Palate
Robust and aromatic. Smoke and oak spice sit close together, with an underlying freshness of green apple and citrus peel. No buttery sweetness – direct, clean character.
Finish
Medium-long. Spice and smoke linger with a dry, lightly bitter ending from the fresh oak.
Specifications
Name: Caol Ila 2015/2023 Wilson & Morgan 8 Years
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Wilson & Morgan
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 8 years
ABV: 57.1%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Refill hogsheads with Virgin Oak finish
Distilled: 2015
Bottled: 2023
Number of bottles: 2,383
Edition: 2nd batch
EAN no.: 8057760350366
Flavour profile
Peated · Spiced · Fresh · Vanilla · Robust
Did you know?
Wilson & Morgan is based in Piedmont, northern Italy – and that is no coincidence: Italy's whisky enthusiasm is world-class. Italy ranks among the countries with the most whisky purchasers per capita globally.
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