Caol Ila 18 years

Score: 85

Caol Ila 18 Year Old, bottled at 43% ABV, held its own admirably in a tasting lineup stacked with heavy hitters, ultimately securing a respectable third place. In many ways, it draws a graceful parallel with the 12-year-old release, sharing that signature Islay elegance but layering in greater maturity and finesse. The aroma immediately signals its age: rounder, deeper, and more composed. Vanilla notes rise with clarity, joined by tart herbs and a whisper of coastal brine. The smoke, while present, is featherlight, perfectly complementing the delicate alcohols and allowing the malt’s creamy texture and subtle fruit to shine through. It’s a dram that rewards patience and quiet contemplation, offering a refined take on Islay peat without the bombast. Though edged out by bolder expressions, its placement in the tasting spoke volumes about its understated charm and the club’s appreciation for balance over brute force.