Caol Ila 1974 14 Years Single Malt Whisky

Tony Hunter

May 27, 2026, 08:27:24

Blimey, this one's a beast from the get-go. The deep gold in the glass looks proper rich, and on the nose, I'm hit with coal and soot right away – like a smouldering fire with pine wood smoke. There's walnuts and something like kippers? Odd, but I'm intrigued. Taking a sip, the power is huge and unstoppable. It's got that big beast quality with massive earthiness, and notes of soy sauce and old dry sherry come through. Lemons are screaming in the background, along with kumquats and Seville oranges. Cured ham and parsley? Maybe a hint. The finish is long, with cigars and ashes, but smoother than I'd expect. Menthol and beeswax linger, peat and wood smoke all the way. Candied liquorice wood and citrons add sweetness. Fab stuff, really – perfect balance, mission accomplished. 😊

Victoria Edwards

May 21, 2026, 17:30:45

Quite cosy, this one 🥃 I’m getting a soft sweetness, a bit of toasted oak, some dried fruit, and a gentle spice that hangs about nicely. Feels warming rather than shouty — easy to sit with on a chilly evening. Slightly smmoky finish, but not too much.

Andy Bennett

May 21, 2026, 06:10:56

Quite warm and cosy, with a bit of sweet oak, dried fruit, and a gentle spicy kick 🥃 Feels smooth enough, but still has a wee bite that keeps it interesting. Nice for a slow evening.

Isobel Mitchell

May 19, 2026, 14:40:27

Right, here's my take on it... --- Nose is all honey’d orchard fruits 🍐 and a whiff of sea spray. Touch of heather smoke but it’s shy. First sip is silky—oomph. Warm toffee, a wee nutty crumble, then this lovely slow wave of gentle spice. Not the shouting sort, more like a cosy glow. Finish lingers with soft oak and that kiss of salt. 🥃 Don’t need to pick it apart, just… aye, that's a proper dram for a dreich evening.

Lindsay Hughes

May 13, 2026, 08:11:01

wow that first sniff is proper warm spice, like Christmas pudding but with a smoky edge tastes smooth going down, then there's this fruity kick, maybe baked apples or something and leather? like old books in a good way, with some toffee sweetness it lingers in the mouth, a bit oaky and very cozy 👌 feels like sipping by the fire on a rainy day 🔥