Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 70cl

Caol Ila 12 Year Old — the celebrated flagship of Caol Ila distillery (Islay, founded 1846). Caol Ila is the largest Islay distillery by production volume, though most of its output feeds Johnnie Walker and other Diageo blends. Delivers a distinctively elegant, dry, and restrained peated Islay character — the "elegant Islay" archetype.

Why you'll love it

• Refined peat smoke, gentle maritime salt, warm honey, delicate citrus, elegant restrained Islay depth — Caol Ila 12 signature
• Caol Ila is the largest Islay distillery by volume — most production goes into Johnnie Walker blends
• Perfect for peated whisky enthusiasts, Islay collectors, and considered sipping
• Presented in Caol Ila's classic 12 Year Old bottle

Perfect pairings

Excellent neat as a contemplation pour. Pairs beautifully with oysters, smoked salmon, aged Cheddar, or grilled fish.

Perfect for

• Peated whisky enthusiasts exploring "elegant Islay" style
• Islay whisky collectors — an essential Islay distillery piece
• Johnnie Walker fans curious about the primary Islay component
• Considered sipping with refined Islay character

Compare with

For different Islay archetypes: Laphroaig 10 Year Old ($95) (medicinal), Ardbeg 10 Year Old ($115) (heavy peat), or Lagavulin 16 Year Old ($144) (balanced/mature). Interested in indie Caol Ila? G&M Caol Ila 13 Year Old Smoky ($124).

Frequently asked

Why is Caol Ila less famous than Ardbeg/Laphroaig?
Caol Ila's primary role is supplying blend components rather than being marketed as a standalone brand. Owned by Diageo, most Caol Ila output goes into Johnnie Walker and other Diageo Scotch blends. Distillery-bottled expressions are a smaller portion of production.

What makes Caol Ila distinctive?
Distinctively elegant, dry, restrained peated Islay. Where Ardbeg/Laphroaig deliver intense peat and character, Caol Ila is more refined and lighter-bodied — the "elegant Islay" style. Also lower peat level (~35 ppm) vs Ardbeg (55 ppm).

What does "Caol Ila" mean?
Scottish Gaelic for "Sound of Islay" — the strait between Islay and Jura where the distillery is located. Pronounced roughly "cull-eela."

Quick facts

• Region: Islay, Scotland
• Distillery: Caol Ila (founded 1846)
• Age: 12 Years
• Peat Level: ~35 ppm phenol
• Owner: Diageo
• ABV: 43%
• Volume: 70cl
• Delivery: Free islandwide delivery across Singapore