Caol Ila 8 Years Old (59.8%)

Unpeated Style – Diageo Special Releases 2006

700ml / 59.8%

Single Malt

$211

An 8 year old Caol Ila from the distillery at 59.8%. Lemon, brine and a clean smoke over an oily body. Most of its make goes into the Johnnie Walker blends. Water comes from Loch nam Ban, above the distillery. Islay’s quiet giant, vast yet refined. This is an Islay malt that balances smoke and citrus with ease.

In stock

Available

SKU CIL007 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

An official release of Caol Ila, an 8 year old, at 59.8%, 12990 bottles in all. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

Here the spirit was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for a clean, coastal, oily make. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to lead. These first years are extractive, the oak giving lactones as coconut and vanillin as vanilla beneath a sharp, citrussy smoke. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath.

At 59.8% without water it is rich and full. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with a light bourbon sweetness. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.