Caol Ila 11 yo (2008), Wilson & Morgan – Single Cask, 50%

Introduction

Caol Ila 11-year-old (2008) is a distinguished single cask bottling from independent bottler Wilson & Morgan, showcasing the quintessential smoky and maritime character that has made Islay whiskies legendary among connoisseurs worldwide.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley, with the distinctive peated character typical of Islay malt, processed with pure Islay spring water from Loch Nam Ban
• Distillation process: Double distillation in Caol Ila’s traditional copper pot stills, known for producing a lighter, more elegant style of peated whisky compared to other Islay distilleries
• Maturation: Aged for 11 years in a single, carefully selected oak cask, allowing for a unique expression of the distillery character with no blending to mask its individual traits
• Special techniques: Hand-selected by Wilson & Morgan’s expert tasting panel and bottled at 50% ABV without chill filtration to preserve its natural oils and flavor compounds

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Maritime salinity and fresh sea air mingle with medicinal peat smoke, lemon zest, and underlying sweet vanilla. Subtle notes of green apples and wet stones develop with time in the glass
• Palate: Robust and oily texture with an immediate wave of sweet smokiness. Citrus oils, salted caramel, and cracked black pepper balance beautifully with ashy peat and subtle oak spices
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering smoke, sea salt, and a surprising emergence of subtle tropical fruit notes intertwined with dry oak and white pepper

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C) to fully appreciate the complex array of flavors
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromatic compounds
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat initially, then with a few drops of spring water to open up additional aromatic complexities and soften the alcohol heat
• Food pairings: Smoked salmon, oysters, strong blue cheeses, or dark chocolate with sea salt

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 50% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland/Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Wilson & Morgan selection, guaranteeing exceptional quality standards and cask selection expertise

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Caol Ila 11-year-old represents a singular expression that cannot be replicated, as the unique conditions of this specific cask have created a whisky profile that stands apart from standard distillery bottlings.

With only a limited number of bottles drawn from this single cask, once sold out, this exact expression will never be available again – making each bottle a piece of whisky history.

Wilson & Morgan’s reputation as one of Italy’s most respected independent bottlers ensures that only casks of exceptional quality are selected for their single cask releases.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Discerning whisky enthusiasts consistently seek out Wilson & Morgan’s Caol Ila bottlings for their remarkable quality and authentic representation of this iconic Islay distillery.

By adding this bottle to your collection, you join a community of passionate whisky aficionados who appreciate the nuanced differences that single cask bottlings offer compared to standard releases.

Independent bottlings like this often receive praise from whisky critics for showcasing aspects of a distillery’s character that aren’t always evident in the official bottlings.

From Islay’s Shores to You

Wilson & Morgan has shared their decades of expertise by carefully selecting this cask to bring an authentic piece of Islay’s whisky heritage directly to your glass.

The approachable yet complex character of this Caol Ila appeals to both newcomers to peated whisky and seasoned Islay enthusiasts, offering something special with every sip.

Every time you pour a dram of this special bottling, you’re connecting with Islay’s rich distilling tradition and the passionate craftspeople who made this exceptional whisky possible – don’t miss your chance to experience this distinctive expression.