Caol Ila 22 Years Old

An official release of Caol Ila, a 22 year old, at 58.4%, 3000 bottles in all. Caol Ila is prized for a smoke that leans to lemon and olive oil rather than tar. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

It was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, shaping the lighter side of Islay. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. In the oxidative and evaporative years the angel's share concentrates the spirit, tropical esters of mango and pineapple emerging as the smoke fades to a soft ash. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. The malt is medium peated, giving a cleaner smoke than the south shore Islays. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

At 58.4% without water it is rich and full. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.