Caol Ila 10 Years Old (58.2%)

Caol Ila, a distillery release, a 10 year old, at 58.2%, 2500 bottles in all. Caol Ila is the smoky backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila.

Here the spirit was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the spirit. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

Undiluted at 58.2%, it is powerful. Wood smoke, lemon zest and brine, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. The smoke fades slow over citrus and a mineral tang. This is a clean, smoky Islay single malt from Caol Ila.