Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Lagavulin Light
0 190
Review by @AKGcandlefish
- Nose22
- Taste23
- Finish22
- Balance23
- Overall90
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Distribution of ratings for this:
Color: straw.
Nose: sweet and juicy pit-smoked barbecue, olive oil and herbs, pine needles, and just an edge of antiseptic harshness.
Body: light and oily.
Palate: sweet, smoky, meaty, and woody. Honey roasted peanuts and peppered jerky. This reminds me a lot of the Lagavulin 16, if a little less balanced and distinct. Not quite as smooth or refined.
Finish: a smoky, licorice finish of medium length.
I love this Islay! Can it compete with the Lagavulin 16 or Ardbeg Uigeadail? No, but at $15-40 cheaper than those bottles, it doesn't need to. I got this for $53 at Total Wine, and it was worth every penny. Very similar profile to the Lagavulin 16, just a little harsher and less subtle. If you love the Laga but live on a budget, pick this up. A true delight.
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I think you hit the nail on the head; 'Lagavulin lite'.
For those wanting to try a smokey/peaty Islay single malt - the Caol Ila 12 yr is a good place to start.