A flavour loved by many – even if you’ve never heard of Caol Ila whisky. The Caol Ila whisky is not only enjoyed as a single malt, but also blended to produce Johnny Walker and Black Bottle. But the most well-known of the Caol Ila whisky expressions are the 12 and 18-year-olds, which are 43 per cent vol.

What Do The Experts Say About Caol Ila Whisky?

Unlike these professional whisky-drinkers, the rest of us will only ever try a fraction of all the whiskies on offer. David Broom, whisky writer and expert says of Caol Ila whisky ‘This malt is a fantastically balanced Islay with juniper and wet grass/light salt fish subtleties.’ And if you’re looking for a whisky that works well with food, Michael Jackson, another whisky connoisseur, calls Caol Ila whisky a ‘wonderful aperitif’.
But the whisky itself could be described as having an unusual attraction. With a greenish tinge and a finish described as charcoal, Caol Ila has, in the last couple of decades, caught the popular whisky drinker’s vote. And it makes sense therefore, that it’s no longer independently bottled but instead it has been bottled by is owners since 1988-9, showing their recognition of the need to control the supply to add value.

Laphroaig Whisky – Taste It and See

A true Islay malt, Laphroaig whisky is bound to be peaty – the distillery owns its own peat banks. From one type of warming fuel to another. Rumours abound that the water that the whisky is made from is dark with the traditional firestuff. And instead of the usual ‘hmm, I think the Laphroaig whisky tastes of its source water’ why not try impressing your fellow drinkers by reminding them that the water on Islay taste of whisky. That’s bound to make you sound knowledgeable.

Drink Up Your Laphroaig

Laphroaig whisky’s principal markets are the UK, US, France and Italy, and it consistently rates among the five top-selling malts. But that’s not all. Laphroaig whisky has a royal connection. In 1994 Laphroaig whisky became the only whisky with the right to carry the Royal Warrant of HRH, Prince Charles of Wales. This honour was awarded by Prince Charles himself, during a visit to the Laphroaig whisky distillery.

Ardbeg Whisky’s Nose and Flavour

Ardbeg whisky has a strong nose composed of iodine, seaweed and sawdust. Its flavour is smoky and salty. Despite all of this, the experts recommend Ardbeg whisky as a bedtime drink – presumably any bed partners would also have to be sharing your Ardbeg whisky or the aroma would keep them awake. The taste is smooth and warm, so maybe it pays to not judge on first impressions.

What Makes Ardbeg Whisky Special?

Ardbeg whisky is often bottled at above the 40 per cent vol that malt whiskies must meet. It is one of the fastest growing Islay single malts and has been being made since at least 1815. Well travelled, Ardbeg whisky won an award in Australia this year (2008) as Australia’s best commercially available whisky.
Another example of how popular Ardbeg whisky is could be its many expressions, including Lord of the Isles (a smooth-bodied twenty-five year old), the Committee Reserve (a 55.3 per cent vol ‘tour de force’) and Ardbeg whisky 1976, developed especially for the Japanese market.