Caol Ila 25 Years Old 1985 Old & Rare The Platinum Selection (Douglas Laing)

The Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing selected this Caol Ila, a 25 year old, distilled in 1985, bottled at 51.2%, one of 232 bottles. Caol Ila is a maritime malt, matured within sound of the sea. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

It was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, building a refined, maritime peat. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to 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. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

Undiluted at 51.2%, it is powerful. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a light bourbon sweetness. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.