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Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve

Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve
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Caol Ila Stitchell ReserveCaol Ila Stitchell Reserve

Bottle performance

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Lot number: 085-0094

Winning bid: £40

For anyone visiting Caol Ila today it might be hard to believe that it was once one of the smaller distilleries on Islay, with the Diageo workhorse now producing almost as much spirit as Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bowmore and Laphroaig combined! Despite this, Caol Ila still isn't as globally recognisable as its Islay stable-mates, due to the majority of its production being used for blends, such as Johnnie Walker. In fact it wasn't until the early noughties that it was marketed seriously as a single malt, but its quality and rock solid consistency have won it a dedicated fan base that will surely continue to grow.

The other trick up Caol Ila's sleeve is its versatility. During the downturn in the fortunes of the whisky industry in the 1980s, demand for traditionally heavily peated Islay whiskies was particularly low. Caol Ila's ability to produce an unpeated, Highland style whisky for blending helped it weather the storm; a legacy which is still honoured today in the form of its special, annual release of unpeated malt.

This has been named after Distillery Manager Billy Stitchell who retired in 2013 after 40 years working at Caol Ila Distillery. This makes him the fifth generation of his family to have worked there!

Bottled: 2013

Cask Type: Refill American Oak, Bodega European Oak and rejuvenated American Oak

59.6% ABV / 70cl

Please examine the images of the bottle, packaging and labels carefully and satisfy yourself as to their condition before making a bid.