Caol Ila Aged 8 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – James Eadie (700ml)

Caol Ila Aged 8 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – James Eadie (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 46%           Age: 8 Years            Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 321763, 321775 & 316478
Date of Distilling: N/A
Date of Bottling: 2020
Matured In: Re-Charred & Refill Hogshead
Un-Chillfiltered

James Eadie Ltd was founded by Rupert Patrick in 2016. Rupert is James Eadie’s great-great-grandson, who has held positions at Diageo, Beam and Ian Macleod Distillers. James Eadie founded a brewery in Burton-on-Trent in 1854, the same year he developed the Trade Mark X Scotch blend. The blend was extremely popular and was sold to Eadie’s chain of public houses throughout the 19th century. In 1933 James’s business was sold to Bass who continued producing the blend till 1947. The resurrection of the blend along with the structuring of the independent bottling company by Rupert means that James Eadie can be remembered again and his past work can be enjoyed once more. The James Eadie Independent bottling’s consist of cask strength selections from various Scottish distilleries. Each bottle describes the distillery, the abv and the date of distillation and bottling as well as the maturation technique.

The Caol Ila Distillery, The name Caol Ila comes from the Gaelic ‘Caol Ila’ meaning ‘Sound of Islay’ which is the stretch of water which separates Islay from Jura. The distillery was founded in 1846 and has been very successful through its long history. The distillery draws water from the nearby loch which is surrounded by myrtle and heather. As did most distilleries it closed during the Great Depression from 1930 to 1937 and was reconstructed from 1972 to 1974. Juggling between old traditional methods and modern methods of using new technology. This distillery produces whiskies that have chocolate, citrus and floral notes as well as tangy and peaty, which is typical of an Islay whisky.

This single malt whisky was distilled at the Caol Ila distillery on Islay before being placed in a single Re-Charred Refill Ex-Bourbon Hogshead and left to mature for about 8 years. In 2020 it was bottled at 46% abv as part of the James Eadie Independent bottling ‘Small Batch’ range. Only 912 bottles were produced.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Smoked meats, pear juice and minerals. Rich smoke but without being dirty and earthy

Palate: Mossy earth and tarry smoke begin. Turning to sweet lemonade and sea salt as the experience continues.

Finish: The salinity sticks around and leaves the palate with spent charcoal, minerals and mechanics shop vibes.