Caol Ila received a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010 and 2011, making it the ideal gift for all exquisite whisky enthusiasts. Caol Ila is the ultimate Islay Malt and is considered by experts to be the perfect introduction to the world of Islay Malt Whiskies. The unique and special dry smokiness makes Caol Ila a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky worldwide. Caol Ila is the Gaelic name for the Islay Sound, the strait separating the island from Jura and one of the most remote and beautiful places on the west coast of Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1846 and is located on the coast of Islay Sound, an area originally chosen also for the clean waters of Loch Nam Ban, which still serves as the main water source. Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is fresh and fruity-sweet with a mild character and impresses with its light straw colour and a delicious ballance of flavours. Its clean, delicious bouquet reveals subtle citrus notes with a hint of smokiness. A solid and mild sweetness dominates at the start, merging into a pleasant smokiness and leading to a sweet-smoky finish. Drink it with appetising, hearty dishes. For example, with olive tapenade on French bread or juicy, warm chorizo sausage. It may sound strange, but buttered pastries also go well.