Caol Ila 11 Years Old – Ambrosial Feast

Unpeated – Diageo Special Releases 2024

700ml / 57.3%

Single Malt

$152

This Caol Ila comes from the distillery, an 11 year old, at 57.3%. Soft ash and smoked citrus sit on an oily body. It stands at Port Askaig, facing Jura across the Sound. A workhorse of the blending halls and a favourite of malt drinkers. Islay’s quiet giant, vast yet refined. This is a maritime Islay malt, smoke worn lightly.

In stock

Available

SKU CIL012 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

An 11 year old Caol Ila bottled by the distillery, at 57.3%. Caol Ila is among the most widely traded of Islay's single malts. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

It was made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the spirit. Through integration the spirit and cask settle, lactone coconut and a soft vanillin balancing the easing phenols. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

At 57.3%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with a quiet vanilla under the smoke. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.