Caol Ila 13 Years Old 2010 Cask #311750 (BB&R)

The London wine merchant Berry Bros and Rudd selected this Caol Ila, a 13 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 311750, bottled at 56.5%, one of 269 bottles. Caol Ila was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

It was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for an oily smoke that leans to lemon and brine. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it.

At a full 56.5% it is bold and oily. Wood smoke, lemon zest and brine, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.