The Distillers Editions are a series of scotches from Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, wherein each introductory whisky is further aged in another barrel for various times to impart finishing characteristics. We here at Scotchology have already reviewed the Oban, Lagavulin and Cragganmore variants. The Caol Ila Distillers Edition starts life as the 12 year offering, which we’ve already reviewed here, and further finished in ex-Moscatel sherry casks.
Distillery: Caol Ila
Region: Islay
Age: NAS
Strength: 43%
Price: $79.99
Maturation: Moscatel cask
Barrel: distilled 1997, bottled 2010
Location: Port Askaig
Nose: Citrus, cream, smoke
Palate: Brine, spice, peat
Finish: Smoke, spice
Comments: Water is not needed. Try pairing with sweets to accentuate the Moscatel notes from the finish.
Adam – The Caol Ila Distillers Edition is a great example of what cask finishing can do to a whisky, even an Islay scotch. There are the flavor elements of the 12 year offering if you can remember it, yet the sweetness from the Moscatel sherry cask provides a sort of glaze over the top of it, the addition of a delightful creaminess to accompany the smoke and peat and spice, dialed back a bit though they are. Maybe the finish serves to blend the individual elements into an elevated whole, where the parts are hard to identify on their own. But that’s more than okay. While the standard 12 might be best placed sipping by the campfire on a beach, the Distillers Edition is something to be shared over a relaxed after-dinner conversation with good friends.
Jenny – This is like I’m in a new car, a new vehicle. It’s comfortable, and has all the bells and whistles. It’s like I’m test driving a new car along the coast, with the moon roof open. Munching on bacon cooked fresh from the campfire.
Meghan – Smells like leather and creme brulee.
There’s a promise of very good things to come.
Michael – The Caol Ila Distillers Edition is like driving through the mountains for me. But instead of the Rocky Mountains, it is more like the Appalachian Mountains, with fewer peaks and valleys of taste or smell.
Mary-Fred – I’m reminded of a hillside of grapes in the sunshine when I drink this. And harvest.
Caitlin – This is like nice clothes. The Caol Ila Distillers Edition smells rich to me.
Ben – There’s a promise of very good things to come. Like bread, though it doesn’t taste like bread. This seems like it would taste great on the beach in Texas in July. It’s not crazy briny but just that it fills up what else is there.
