Today’s Caol Ila was an SMWS US chapter exclusive which debuted in a set with a young Arran and Inchgower (reviewed here). I split the set with a friend and intended to take the Inchgower, but ended up with this in my hands instead.  My buddy figured I needed more teenage Caol Ila on my shelf— I was not so sure, especially after I tried the Inchgower and adored it, but then I opened this to share with friends and family on New Years and now I am pretty happy to have it.

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Whisky: Caol Ila 16 Year (2009), SMWS 53.501 “A Barbecue at Sea, Under Full Sail”

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 54.9%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon Hogshead

Age: 16 Years (Distilled 5 March 2009, Bottled 2025)

Notes: Mellow and maritime with a soft blanket of smoke— this was a bonfire on the beach at twilight with plenty of fruit snacks. Grilled pineapples and tropical citrus lingered in the background with hints of banana and an industrial quality that left the impression of an old cannery— tinned pineapple, rust, lubricants, and coal dust. Mellow heather and camphor appeared with time, the herbal and medicinal edge of the spirit finally poked through. Medium-bodied and oily, the flavor profile was similar, though more robust with tobacco smoke, ash, and cloves arriving. Grilled and tinned tropical fruits followed, but with cinnamon, pepper, and poaching spices— an apple tarte tatin with vanilla bean. A lovely sweetness muffled the cries of any acrid herbal or phenolic elements toward the end. The finish was long with a gentle pepper, maritime brine, vanilla, and caramelized fruit sugars with a metallic edge.

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Score: 7-8 (87)

Mental Image: BBQ Competition Dessert Showcase

Conclusion: I do not recall the last time I had a mid-teen Caol Ila that was this good. I often regard the distillery as having a fairly high floor on the quality of its malts, but a comparatively lower ceiling— it rarely rises to the top, but it is even more rare that it completely disappoints. This was one of those rare exceptions that burst through the glass ceiling. I was impressed at the balance of the various flavor elements, the long finish, and gentle nature of the whisky— a newcomer to high proof spirits might find that a remarkable statement, but for the distillery and age, this was well composed. Overall, an instant classic in my book; this was one of those bottles that you know, from the first sip, will not last long.