Murray McDavid Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Murray McDavid Benchmark Caol Ila 12 Year Old is a limited-release Islay single malt Scotch whisky distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2024 at 52.3% ABV. Initially matured in bourbon hogsheads and finished for 18 months in first-fill Wild Beer Imperial Stout casks, it offers a distinctive balance of coastal peat smoke, rich chocolate and roasted coffee. Notes of salted caramel, beeswax and dark malt develop into a long, smoky finish with lingering sweetness.

Food Pairing: Smoked salmon, grilled beef, aged cheddar, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, coffee desserts or salted caramel brownies.

Tasting Notes: Rich and smoky, with salted caramel, dark chocolate, coastal salinity, roasted coffee and sweet peat smoke.

Nose: Coastal and inviting, with salted caramel, gentle smoke and subtle beeswax.

Palate: Rich and layered, with dark chocolate, sea salt and dry, malty undertones.

Finish: Long and warming, with roasted coffee, lingering chocolate and sweet smoke.

Serve: Enjoy neat in a Glencairn glass, allowing it to breathe before adding a few drops of water to reveal its smoky and chocolate-rich character.