Caol Ila 2011 8 Year Old Single Cask Nation 75cl
Lot number: 122-00924
Winning bid: £100
For anyone visiting Caol Ila today, it might be hard to believe that it was once one of the smaller distilleries on Islay, with the Diageo workhorse now producing almost as much spirit as Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bowmore and Laphroaig combined! Despite this, Caol Ila still isn't as globally recognisable as its Islay stable-mates, due to the majority of its production being used for blends, such as Johnnie Walker. In fact it wasn't until the early noughties that it was marketed seriously as a single malt, but its quality and rock-solid consistency have won it a dedicated fan base that will surely continue to grow.
The other trick up Caol Ila's sleeve is its versatility. During the downturn in the fortunes of the whisky industry in the 1980s, demand for traditionally heavily peated Islay whiskies was particularly low. Caol Ila's ability to produce an unpeated, Highland style whisky for blending helped it weather the storm; a legacy which is still honoured today in the form of its special, annual release of unpeated malt.
Bottled for Single Cask Nation
Distilled: January 2011
Bottled: November 2019
Age: 8 Years Old
Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry Butt
Cask Number: 300153
61.4% ABV / 75cl
Bottle Number: One of only 480 bottles released
Please examine all images of the lot, any packaging and labels carefully and satisfy yourself as to their condition before making a bid.