North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2011 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 70cl 49.5%

The North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2011 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a distinctive independent bottling showcasing the celebrated smoky and maritime character of Caol Ila Distillery. Distilled in 2011, matured for 15 years and bottled at 49.5% ABV, this limited release offers an exciting opportunity to experience mature Caol Ila through the cask-selection expertise of North Star Spirits.

Located on the rugged north-eastern coast of Islay, Caol Ila is renowned for producing an elegant style of peated Scotch whisky. Compared with some of its more intensely medicinal Islay neighbours, Caol Ila is often prized for its refined balance of peat smoke, citrus, coastal salinity, sweet malt and maritime freshness.

After 15 years of maturation, the distillery's characteristic smoke and citrus can develop additional layers of mature fruit, oak, sweetness and spice. Bottled at a robust 49.5% ABV, this North Star release retains excellent concentration and texture while allowing Caol Ila's elegant distillery character to remain at the forefront.

For lovers of peated Islay whisky, independent Scotch bottlings and mature Caol Ila, the North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2011 makes a compelling addition to any whisky collection.

About North Star Spirits

North Star Spirits is a Glasgow-based independent Scotch whisky bottler founded in 2016.

The company specialises in selecting distinctive casks and small parcels of whisky from distilleries across Scotland, releasing them in limited quantities for enthusiasts seeking expressions beyond standard distillery bottlings.

North Star has built a strong reputation among whisky enthusiasts for bottling characterful single malts at higher strengths, allowing individual cask influence and distillery character to shine through.

This 15-Year-Old Caol Ila 2011 brings together one of Islay's most celebrated distilleries with North Star's independent approach to whisky selection.

15 Years of Islay Maturation

The North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old was distilled in 2011 and matured for a full 15 years before bottling.

Extended maturation allows Caol Ila's characteristic peat smoke to soften and integrate with the influence of oak, potentially creating greater depth and complexity while retaining the distillery's famous maritime freshness.

At 49.5% ABV, the whisky offers a rich and concentrated drinking experience without sacrificing the elegant qualities associated with mature Caol Ila.

Why Buy North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2011?

The North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2011 combines mature Islay whisky with the individuality of an independent bottling.

Key highlights include:

• 15 Year Old Caol Ila Single Malt
• Distilled in 2011
• Independently bottled by North Star Spirits
• Bottled at 49.5% ABV
• Classic peated Islay character
• Maritime, smoky and citrus-led flavour profile
• Mature expression of Caol Ila
• Limited independent release
• Excellent choice for peat and Islay whisky enthusiasts
• Strong addition to a Caol Ila or North Star collection

Caol Ila Whisky Character

Caol Ila occupies an interesting position among Islay's famous whisky distilleries.

While unmistakably peated, its spirit is typically regarded as more refined and elegant than some of the island's most intensely smoky malts. This combination of clean smoke, lemon citrus, sea air and malt sweetness makes Caol Ila highly versatile.

With additional maturation, these characteristics can develop into a more complex combination of smoke, mature fruit, oak, spice and coastal minerality.

For enthusiasts who appreciate smoky whisky without overwhelming medicinal peat, mature Caol Ila can be an excellent choice.

Caol Ila & Independent Bottlings

Caol Ila is particularly well represented among Scotland's independent whisky bottlers.

The quality and consistency of its spirit, combined with its ability to develop beautifully in a variety of cask types, has made it a favourite among independent bottlers and whisky enthusiasts.

Independent expressions such as this North Star Caol Ila 15 Year Old allow drinkers to explore a different side of the distillery, often at alternative ages, strengths and maturation profiles compared with official Caol Ila releases.