Caol Ila Unpeated 15 Year Old Scotch Review

By Emma Briones

Rating: A-

Each year, Diageo launches a series of rare whiskies under its “Special Releases” collection. The collection is made up of single malts that are rare and quite special, due to their limited availability, high quality and, some times, strange characteristics. One of the latter is an unpeated version of an Islay classic: Caol Ila Unpeated 15 Year Old.

Part of the Diageo Special Releases 2018 batch, it was  distilled in 2002, matured for 15 years in refill and rejuvenated American-oak hogsheads and ex-bodega European oak butts. As all of the Diageo Special Releases, the Caol Ila Unpeated 15 Year Old is bottled at cask strength, 50.1% ABV in this instance.

The Scotch
In the glass, Caol Ila Unpeated 15 is straw-colored with long legs. On the nose, it is soft, with sweet milk chocolate and vanilla notes. There are also some fruity aromas, mostly strawberry and coconut, with a touch of sherried raisins. There are also wooded notes of pine and honeysuckle, followed by a saline blow with notes of brine and a touch of mint.

On the palate, this malt is quite thick and viscous. It starts soft and sweet, with chocolate and honey notes, and a touch of caramel. There are some fruity notes full of fresh apricot, baked apple, and raisins. It is quite warm and dry, with an island touch. There are salt and resin notes, accompanied by spices and a touch of roasted wood. Towards the end, a slight menthol souvenir with soft lemon notes. The finish is long and dry, with some spicy notes of anise and licorice and a touch of dark chocolate.

Caol Ila is one, like so much of what comes from Islay, loved in part for its peaty identity. Having the chance to taste its non-peated side allows us to know a bit more about the different nuances of the spirit. This Scotch is thicker than what you might expect, but it is warm and soft, making it a delight for anyone who tries it.

The Price
Caol Ila Unpeated 15 Year Old from the Diageo Special Releases 2018 is a limited edition, though one of those that is still easy to buy. In the U.S. is retailed at $130, while prices in Europe range around €110 euros and £99.