CAOL ILA 2009 13 YEARS OLD 60,3% GORDON & MACPHAIL - BATCH #23/079

The Caol Ila 2009 aged 13 years at a robust 60.3% ABV is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky, reflecting the precision and expertise of its bottler, Gordon & MacPhail. Released under Batch #23/079, this exquisite whisky has been bottled in 2023 after a 13-year maturation process that began in 2009. Limited to just 232 bottles, this expression is both rare and exceptional, providing a unique taste experience for whisky enthusiasts.

Distillery and Brand Overview:

Caol Ila, based in Islay, Scotland, is renowned for producing distinctively smoky and peaty whiskies. Situated on the northeastern shores of Islay, overlooking the majestic Sound of Islay, the distillery has a storied heritage dating back to 1846. Known primarily for its vital contribution to blended Scotch whiskies, Caol Ila also boasts a strong reputation for its robust and full-flavored single malt offerings. Their whiskies are celebrated for their classic Islay characteristics which include maritime influences, peat smoke, and a distinct oiliness, traits evident in this 13-year-old release.

Gordon & MacPhail - The Renowned Independent Bottler:

Bottling this special 2009 vintage is Gordon & MacPhail, an independent family-owned and operated firm established in 1895 in Elgin, Scotland. Renowned for its expertise and dedication to the art of whisky maturation, Gordon & MacPhail boasts an extensive inventory of aged Scotch whiskies from various distilleries across Scotland. The company is celebrated for its meticulous cask management strategy, which involves selecting the finest oak and pairing it with new-make spirit from many distilleries, maturing it under their supervision. This meticulous process ensures a remarkable depth, complexity, and quality in the whiskies they release.

Bottle and Maturation Details:

The whisky is presented in a standard 70 cl bottle, which showcases its natural color and unfiltered nature, maintaining the purity and originality of the spirit. It all took place in a single refill Sherry hogshead cask, numbered 307087, which contributed nuanced layers of sweet and rich sherry flavors seamlessly integrated with the natural peat and maritime characters of the Caol Ila malt. The refill Sherry hogshead, less intense than first-fill casks, allows the original character of the whisky to shine while imparting depth with subtle sherry sweetness and complexity.

Flavor Profile:

This Caol Ila release likely presents a complex flavor profile characterized by an elegant balance of peat smoke and the sweet influence of Sherry wood. The high ABV of 60.3% promises an intense yet rewarding tasting experience, which might offer aromas of smoked meats, rich dried fruit, and maritime brine, followed by flavors of dark chocolate, leather, and robust earthy peat, culminating in a long, warming, and pleasantly lingering finish.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Caol Ila 2009 13 Years Old from Gordon & MacPhail is not just a whisky but a testament to the legacy and craftsmanship inherent in Scotch whisky production. From its historical distillation at Caol Ila to its careful maturation and bottling by Gordon & MacPhail, every sip offers a story of tradition and expertise. This limited-release, imbued with the distinctive character of Islay and the nuanced sophistication of sherry-wood maturation, is a truly valuable addition for collectors and a delightful discovery for those who appreciate deeply flavorful and complex whiskies.