Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:50 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore a comprehensive comparison between Caol Ila 12 and Caol Ila 18 in this detailed review, and determine which Single Malt is the ideal choice for your palate!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Caol Ila 12 vs. Caol Ila 18: Comparison
Caol Ila 12: A smoky, balanced whisky with notes of smoked ham, apple, pear, and a creamy texture. Red fruit, caramel, vanilla, and a long, spicy finish. Approachable for newcomers to smoky whiskies.
Caol Ila 18: Offers a complex, mature profile with smoky bacon, pineapple, apricot, and rich maltiness. Orange, peach, dark chocolate on the palate, with a long, peppery finish. Less smoky, and more nuanced.
Verdict: Both Caol Ila 12 and Caol Ila 18 excel in their categories; the 12-year is perfect for those exploring smoky whiskies, offering a lighter, yet rich experience. The Caol Ila 18 stands out for its depth, complexity, and smooth, refined palate, making it a great choice for aficionados seeking a sophisticated sipping experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Smoky Single Malts
Caol Ila 12: A Smoky Introduction to Islay Single Malt
- Nose: Smoked ham, apple, pear
- Palate: Red fruit, caramel, vanilla, lemon zest
- Finish: Long, smoke, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Laphroaig 10
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Calling all peat enthusiasts and curious newcomers! The Caol Ila 12 Year Old offers a delightful introduction to the world of Islay single malt Scotch whiskies.
Aromatic Smoke & Fruit: The initial aroma welcomes you with a wave of smoky notes, reminiscent of cured ham, intertwined with surprising hints of apple and pear. This creates an intriguing and inviting introduction.
Luxuriously Creamy: The first sip introduces a satisfyingly thick and creamy texture that coats the palate.
Sweet & Smoky: The flavor profile takes a surprising turn, showcasing a delightful combination of red fruit, caramel, vanilla, and lemon zest. These sweeter notes are then complemented by a gentle smokiness, creating a well-balanced and engaging taste experience.
Lingering Delight: The finish is long and enjoyable, featuring a subtle interplay of spice, smokiness, and earthy notes, leaving a lasting impression.
Perfect for Beginners: While Caol Ila 12 boasts a pleasant smokiness, it’s lighter and less complex compared to other Islay whiskies. This makes it a perfect choice for those new to peaty Scotches, allowing them to explore the smoky flavor profile without feeling overwhelmed.
Award-Winning Whisky: This Caol Ila expression has received recognition from prestigious competitions, achieving a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal at the 2014 International Spirits Challenge.
Aged for Excellence: The Caol Ila 12 matures for a minimum of 12 years in traditional oak casks. This maturation process allows the smoky character to develop harmoniously with the other flavor elements.
Caol Ila 18: A Mature and Mellow Islay Single Malt for Peat Enthusiasts
- Nose: Bacon, pineapple, apricot
- Palate: Malt, orange, peach, dark chocolate
- Finish: Smoke, pepper, brine, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 16
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
For peat lovers seeking a more nuanced and matured Islay experience, the Caol Ila 18 Year Old offers a delightful evolution from the 12-year expression.
Aromatic Complexity: The initial aroma presents a fascinating interplay of smoky notes, reminiscent of cured meat and smoky bacon, balanced with surprising hints of tropical fruits like pineapple and apricot. This creates a more complex and intriguing introduction compared to the 12-year-old Caol Ila.
Rich & Textured: The first sip introduces a luxurious and complete mouthfeel, brimming with texture.
Beyond Smoke: The flavor profile showcases a remarkable depth beyond just smokiness. Rich maltiness takes center stage, complemented by hints of orange zest, peach, and dark chocolate, with a subtle touch of oak. This creates a well-rounded and engaging taste experience.
Smooth & Approachable: Compared to the 12-year-old expression, the Caol Ila 18 offers a smoother and more approachable character. The fruit notes are more prominent, and the smokiness is more subtle and nuanced. Imagine it as a matured version of the 12-year-old, with a complexity that comes with age.
Lingering Delight: The finish is long and satisfying, featuring a subtle interplay of smoke, pepper, brine, and caramel, leaving a lasting impression.
Water Reveals More: Adding a touch of water enhances the sweetness and peppery notes in this whisky, allowing you to explore its flavor profile further.
Refined Maturation: The Caol Ila 18 matures for 18 years in refill casks. Refill casks have previously held whisky, allowing the spirit to interact with the wood but to a lesser extent than fresh casks. This contributes to the smoother and more mellow character of the 18-year-old expression compared to the 12-year-old.
A Peaty Progression: If you enjoyed the smoky introduction offered by the Caol Ila 12, the 18-year-old expression takes that experience to a new level of maturity and complexity. It’s a perfect choice for peat enthusiasts seeking a more nuanced and refined Islay single malt.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Caol Ila 12 | $90 |
| Caol Ila 18 | $107 |