Introduction I’ve always had a soft spot for Caol Ila. Their balanced take on Islay’s signature peat rarely disappoints. When I heard they released an 18-year-old matured in refill casks and finished in Scottish oak, I was immediately curious. Scottish oak is still relatively unusual in whisky maturation, and pairing that with the distillery’s clean, smoky profile sounded promising. Nose Straight out of the glass, the aroma carries a soft smoke—earthy, almost leathery—without being overpowering. It’s the kind of peat you notice, not one that shouts. There’s a gentle sweetness as well: caramel, apple peel, and a hint of orange zest. I also picked up some dried herbs and damp oak. The nose feels mature and steady, giving a clear sense of its age while still showing the Caol Ila character. Palate The texture is pleasantly oily, coating the mouth in layers. Peat smoke is more present here than on the nose but still well-integrated. It doesn't rush you—starts with woodsmoke and charcoal, then shifts into more savoury territory. There's salted almonds, cured meat, and a maritime brininess. After that, a touch of toffee and roasted nuts appears, adding warmth and sweetness. The influence of the Scottish oak is noticeable in a restrained way—there’s a slightly dry, spicy undertone throughout, like clove and toasted pine. Finish The finish is long and dry with a return of ash and worn leather. A subtle heat lingers—not sharp, but gently warming. Some herbal bitterness hangs on, likely from the oak, alongside a fading saltiness and a little dried fruit. It doesn’t shift dramatically after the swallow, but it stays with you in a pleasant, grounded way. Price and Value This bottle sits in the upper end due to its age and limited edition nature, and I’d say it's justified if you enjoy older Islay malts with subtle complexity. It's not inexpensive, but you're paying for something carefully crafted and a bit unique with that Scottish oak finish. For me, it feels like good value as a sipping bottle for slow evenings rather than something to pour casually. Background Caol Ila is one of Islay’s larger distilleries, known for producing both peated and unpeated whiskies that often serve as the backbone for blends. Their single malts have become increasingly respected over time, especially among fans of gentler peat expressions. This 18 Year Old was created as a limited release and finished in Scottish oak—an uncommon wood type that tends to impart firmer tannins and herbal spice. The release coincided with the distillery’s new participation in the Islay Jazz Festival, adding a community layer to this expression. You can learn more about their spirit at the official Caol Ila website. Final Notes Would I go for a second bottle of this 18-year-old? Given the price, it’s not something I’d keep stocked all the time, but it’s certainly worth picking up once if you're interested in detailed, mature peated whisky. For those new to Islay, it might be a bit too dry and layered—you’d probably appreciate it more after trying younger Caol Ilas or Lagavulin 16 first. As for when I’d pour this, it’s definitely a contemplative dram, ideal for an evening where you’re not in a hurry. Compared to other Islays, it falls between the boldness of Laphroaig and the subtlety of Bunnahabhain—distinctive, but not aggressive. If you’re wondering how the Scottish oak changes the traditional Caol Ila profile, I'd say it makes it firmer and more structured, without masking the distillery’s clean peat and soft sweetness. It's a thoughtful twist on an established favourite.