Caol Ila 14 Years Old 2010 Cask #311744 (BB&R)

The London wine merchant Berry Bros and Rudd released this Caol Ila, a 14 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 311744, bottled at 57%, one of 260 bottles. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on the Isle of Islay. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

Drawn off a high cut from peated barley, for an oily smoke that leans to lemon and brine. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

At 57%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.