Caol Ila 17 Year Old (RMW Oloroso Butt #3)

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (RMW Oloroso Butt #3)

Region: Islay

ABV: 52.0%

Price: £115.00

Distilled in 2007 and matured for 17 years in an Oloroso sherry butt, this was bottled in 2025 as a Royal Mile Whiskies exclusive. The outturn was 730 bottles.

Nose

On the nose, there’s an initial hit of salted caramel, cashews, chocolate coins, and a hint of chip shop vinegar. There’s less peat than we were expecting, but as it sits in the glass some iodine and log fire smoke begin to emerge. A slight chlorine note follows, along with antiseptic swabs and dark chocolate. With more time, the smoke intensifies slightly, bringing tar, and burning logs. Good alcohol integration at the ABV.

Palate

The palate opens with a medicinal peat hit, but it fades quickly, giving way to heaps of dark hot chocolate, a little liquorice, and a hint of prunes. A touch of white pepper joins on a medium length finish, alongside a bitterness from the dark chocolate, a little lemon, and burnt toffee. With patience, an aniseed note appears that’s a little distracting, but if you can move past it you will find sweet sugar syrup and a lingering ashiness as well. The peat level is noticeable but on the tame side for Caol Ila, more of a slap than a punch in the face. The mouthfeel is decent, though we have had better.

Nose (with water)

A splash of water brings out red cola, dims the peat slightly, and adds a touch of BBQ: think smoked ham. There’s also a little salt and brown sugar. With patience, fresh bread appears, along with a savouriness that was not present before. The alcohol remains in good balance.

Palate (with water)

Water has slightly diminished the mouthfeel and made the finish a touch spicier. The upfront peat has dimmed, shifting the dram more towards sweetness and spice. Although, there’s also a lot more ash on the finish now, with citrus more prominent as well.

Conclusion

One where we’d opt not to dilute. Nothing here screams this is Caol Ila to us, but there are some nice flavours nonetheless. Overall, though, it is a little one dimensional and not especially complex for the age. It will likely suit those who prefer their peat on the gentler side of things. We’re a 6.5, but suspect others might go to a 7.

Score: 6.5/10

Value

With today’s whisky market we suspect that Royal Mile will have to reduce the price to shift the remaining bottles.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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