CAOL ILA 25 YEARS OLD 59,5% WILSON & MORGAN CASK #10024

The Caol Ila 25 Years Old 59.5% from Wilson & Morgan is an exceptional whisky that combines age, craftsmanship, and a profound depth of flavor. This single malt Scotch, originating from one of Islay's most revered distilleries, is not only a testament to the distillery's heritage but also to the discerning selection skills of the independent bottler Wilson & Morgan.

Distillery Background: Caol Ila

Located on the northeastern shores of Islay, Scotland, Caol Ila distillery is renowned for its consistent production of superior Islay Scotch. Known for a style that wonderfully balances smokiness with subtlety, sweetness, and maritime notes, Caol Ila whiskies are highly appreciated both by novices and connoisseurs. The distillery's waterside location contributes significantly to its characteristically fresh and breezy maritime flavors, coupled with peaty and floral aromas.

Wilson & Morgan: The Bottler’s Craft

Wilson & Morgan, an esteemed independent bottler, is known for their rigorous selection of casks from distinguished distilleries. With a keen eye for quality and a penchant for nuanced maturation processes, they have established a reputation for bottling some of the most intriguing and satisfying Scotch whiskies. Bottlers like Wilson & Morgan are crucial in the whisky industry as they provide a diverse array of tastes and experiences often different from the standard distillery bottlings. By handpicking unique casks and managing the aging environments, they unlock superb expressions that tell their own unique stories.

Cask and Maturation

This single malt was matured for 25 years, a duration that allows the whisky to develop a profound complexity and depth. Cask #10024, a Sherry cask, contributes significantly to the flavor profile of this Scotch. Sherry casks are highly prized in whisky maturation for their ability to impart rich and robust flavors – including dark fruits, chocolate, and spices – which complement the natural character of the Caol Ila spirit. After a quarter of a century in this cask, the resulting whisky is not only deep in flavor but also beautifully balanced.

Tasting Notes

At a commanding strength of 59.5%, this Caol Ila 25 Years Old demands attention and respect. The high ABV suggests a very robust flavor profile, with likely notes of intense peat smoke balanced by the rich sweetness contributed by the Sherry cask. Expect layers of complexity with potential flavors of dried fruits, dark chocolate, leather, and an undercurrent of coastal brine. This whisky promises a richly rewarding taste experience with a lingering finish that resonates with the essence of both the spirit and the wood.

Packaging and Presentation

The whisky is presented in a standard 70 cl bottle, allowing aficionados to appreciate the golden-amber hue of the liquid. Limited to just 232 bottles, each bottle from this cask is a rare treasure, making it a highly desirable collector’s item or a generous gift for a distinguished whisky lover.

Collectibility and Investment

Given its age, limited bottling, and the renowned craftsmanship of both the distillery and the bottler, this edition of Caol Ila 25 Years Old holds significant allure as a collectible. The rarity and quality often see whiskies of this calibre appreciate in value over time, suggesting its potential not just as a pleasure to imbibe but also as a thoughtful investment.

Conclusion: A Gem of Islay

The Caol Ila 25 Years Old, bottled by Wilson & Morgan, represents a harmonious blend of Islay’s natural beauty, a quarter-century of maturation mastery, and the distinctive influence of a carefully chosen Sherry cask. For those fortunate enough to encounter a bottle, it offers a peerless drinking experience that captures the essence of one of Scotland's most captivating islands.