Caol Ila 23 Years Old 1984 (Authentic Collection)

Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's released this Caol Ila, a 23 year old, distilled in 1984, bottled at 56.3%, one of 258 bottles. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

Here the spirit was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, giving a bright, citrus driven peat. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. 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. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke.

At a natural 56.3% it is full and oily. Smoke, grapefruit and a maritime salt, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.