Caol Ila Moch

Profile: The Caol Ila Moch at a Glance

• Caol Ila Moch: When Islay is quiet
• Gaelic for "dawn": Represents a gentle introduction to the world of Caol Ila
• Mildest Caol Ila: Significantly more accessible than the classic, smoky bottlings
• No age statement: Focus on style rather than number - young, but full of character
• Unpeated style: Smoke is present, but subtle and restrained
• Ideal for beginners: Perfect introduction to the world of Islay, without the peat shock

Portrait: What makes the Caol Ila Moch special

Imagine waking up early in the morning, You're standing on the coast of Islay, the sun is timidly pushing its way over the horizon, a light mist hangs over the sea - and suddenly someone whispers in your ear:“Good morning... I'm Caol Ila Moch.”

Wait a minute - Caol Ila? The distillery otherwise known for its smoky trumpet notes and rich peat waves? Yes, exactly that. But "Moch," which means dawn in Gaelic, is its gentlest representative. One could say: While Caol Ila usually likes to march through the living room in steel-toed boots, Moch comes barefoot.

The Caol Ila Distillery itself has a long history - it was founded in 1846 and is spectacularly situated overlooking the Caol Ila” (translated: “Sound of Islay”) estuary on the Isle of Jura. And while it's never as loud in public as its famous Islay colleagues (yes, Ardbeg and Laphroaig, we're looking your way), Caol Ila is a real star behind the scenes - many blended whiskies swear by its contribution.

But with the Moch, they wanted to try something different: less storm, more sunrise. Less pirate ship, more sailboat. A bottling for anyone who wants to slowly approach the Islay coast – or simply seeks a Caol Ila that doesn't leap sword-first out of the glass.

And so, today, the Caol Ila Moch stands a bit like the quiet cousin at a family dinner: He doesn't say much, isn't wearing a peat helmet – but when you talk to him, you realize that there's still plenty of Islay in it.

Caol Ila Moch is ideal for beginners to the world of smoky whiskies – or for experienced connoisseurs who want to experience Islay from its gentler side.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Caol Ila Moch tastes like

• Nose: light, fresh and maritime - a gentle sea breeze with citrus aromas - the smoke is there, but more of an elegant veil than a peat husk - plus subtle hints of green apple, hay and a touch of salt air. A spring morning on the coast in liquid form
• Palate: smooth and approachable, yet typically Islay - the smoke remains discreetly in the background, while fresh citrus notes, slightly sweet malt, and a fine herbal spice set the tone - very balanced and surprisingly light-footed - almost charmingly restrained for an Islay whisky
• Finish: medium-length and dry with fine smoke, some oak, and a delicate minerality - the maritime freshness lingers until the end - like a last glimpse of the sea before the morning really begins