ARTIST #15 Something in the Water is a 40-year-old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at the legendary Caol Ila Distillery in 1984 and bottled in 2025 at cask strength 51.3% ABV. This extraordinary expression represents four decades of maturation in refill highland oak barrels, creating a spirit of exceptional depth and complexity that showcases the maritime character of Islay's eastern shores.

Part of ARTIST's 15th Anniversary collection, this remarkable whisky emerges from Caol Ila Distillery, renowned for producing some of Islay's most elegant and refined single malts. Founded in 1846 on the shores of the Sound of Islay, Caol Ila has mastered the art of balancing the island's characteristic peat smoke with delicate coastal influences. This single cask bottling, individually selected by La Maison du Whisky, represents the pinnacle of long-aged Islay whisky craftsmanship, with only 99 bottles available worldwide.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Maritime brine, weathered driftwood, gentle peat smoke, dried seaweed, honeyed oak tannins
• Palate: Salted caramel, smoked almonds, dark chocolate, coastal minerals, aged leather, subtle citrus oils
• Finish: Long and contemplative, with lingering smoke, sea salt, and warm spices

Product Details

Perfect For

• Milestone celebrations: A 40-year journey deserves recognition of life's greatest achievements
• Whisky collectors: Ultra-rare single cask bottling with impeccable provenance and extreme scarcity
• Contemplative evenings: Savoring the complexity that only four decades can create
• Investment collecting: Limited to 99 bottles worldwide, ensuring exceptional rarity and value appreciation

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This 40-year-old Caol Ila offers an exceptionally refined Islay experience with gentle maritime smoke, salted caramel sweetness, and coastal mineral complexity. Unlike younger Islay whiskies, four decades of maturation have mellowed the peat into elegant background notes while developing profound oak influence and sophisticated salinity.

Is this whisky good for cocktails?

ARTIST #15 Something in the Water should be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its full complexity. At 40 years old and limited to 99 bottles, this is a contemplative sipping whisky meant to showcase four decades of careful maturation rather than being mixed into cocktails.

How should I drink this 40-year-old Islay whisky?

Serve neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature, allowing the whisky to breathe for 10-15 minutes before tasting. Add a few drops of water if desired to open up the aromatics, but avoid ice which can dull the intricate flavors developed over four decades of aging.

What makes this ARTIST bottling special compared to regular Caol Ila?

This single cask bottling represents 40 years of maturation versus Caol Ila's standard 12-year expressions, creating exponentially more complexity and refinement. The refill highland oak cask and hand-selection by La Maison du Whisky ensures this bottle captures the absolute peak of Caol Ila's potential, with only 99 bottles ever produced.

Is ARTIST #15 Something in the Water worth the investment?

This bottling represents exceptional value for collectors seeking ultra-rare, long-aged Islay single malts. With 40 years of aging, single cask provenance, and limitation to just 99 bottles worldwide, this whisky offers both immediate drinking pleasure and strong investment potential for serious collectors.

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