ARTIST #15 Something in the Water is a 40-year-old Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Caol Ila Distillery, bottled at cask strength 51.3% ABV. This extraordinary expression was distilled in 1984 and aged in refill Highland oak barrels before being bottled in 2025 as part of ARTIST's 15th Anniversary collection, with only 99 bottles available worldwide. Caol Ila Distillery stands as one of Islay's most respected whisky makers, producing elegant single malts that capture the essence of Scotland's western coast. This cask #848000636 was individually selected and bottled by La Maison du Whisky, representing four decades of patient maturation that transforms Caol Ila's signature maritime character into something profoundly complex and contemplative.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Sea spray and weathered driftwood, aged leather, dark honey, gentle peat smoke, dried seaweed
• Palate: Salted caramel, maritime brine, oak tannins, yellow stone fruit, white pepper, subtle smoke
• Finish: Long and evolving with coastal minerals, vanilla oak, lingering smoke, and oceanic depth

Product Details

Spirit Type	Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV	51.3%
Volume	700ml
Age Statement	40 Years
Release Year	2025
Distillery	Caol Ila Distillery
Region	Islay, Scotland
Cask Number	#848000636
Barrel Type	Refill Highland Oak
Limited Edition	99 bottles

Perfect For

• Collector's Trophy: An ultra-rare 40-year Islay expression with documented provenance and artistic packaging
• Special Celebrations: Milestone moments that deserve an extraordinary single malt with four decades of character
• Whisky Investment: Limited edition bottling from respected Caol Ila distillery with strong collectible potential
• Contemplative Sipping: Evening meditation with one of Scotland's most complex and mature expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ARTIST #15 Something in the Water taste like?

This 40-year Caol Ila delivers profound maritime complexity with sea spray, aged leather, and gentle peat smoke on the nose, followed by salted caramel, oak tannins, and coastal minerals on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long with vanilla oak and oceanic depth that evolves continuously in the glass.

Is this whisky good for cocktails?

At $2000+ and with only 99 bottles made, this is absolutely not for cocktails. This rare 40-year expression should be savored neat or with just a few drops of water to unlock its full complexity. Its cask strength and four decades of maturation make it a sipping whisky of the highest order.

How should I drink ARTIST #15?

Serve neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature, allowing 10-15 minutes to open up. Add a few drops of room temperature water if the 51.3% ABV is too intense, which can help reveal hidden fruit and floral notes. This whisky rewards patience and contemplation.

Is this whisky worth the investment?

For serious collectors, yes. This combines several value drivers: 40-year age statement, respected Caol Ila distillery, ultra-limited 99-bottle edition, cask strength bottling, and artistic presentation. The ARTIST brand's 15th anniversary adds collectible significance to an already exceptional whisky.

What is similar to this Caol Ila?

Other aged Islay expressions like Lagavulin 37 Year or Ardbeg Drum provide similar maritime complexity, though this Caol Ila offers more elegance than heavily peated counterparts. For collectors, compare to other limited La Maison du Whisky selections or aged single cask Islay bottlings.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.