Caol Ila 2007 The Pearls of Scotland

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 Caol Ila has been selected and bottled at cask strength by The Pearls as part of its Rare Cask Selection.

Distilled: August 2007

Bottled: September 2018

Cask Number: 313161

50.8% ABV / 70cl

Bottle Number: 332 / 371

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