Close to peaty malted barley, Caol Ila also reveals maritime, vegetal, oily, and peaty characteristics. Recent official bottlings, notably expressive, feature intense peaty and smoky flavors along with a beautiful sweet/salty balance.

Independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail and Signatory Vintage also offer magnificent versions of this single malt. The large onion-shaped stills at the Caol Ila distillery largely explain the rather light and very refined character of this single malt.