Caol Ila 18 Years Old 1974 Cask #12440 – 48 (Dun Eideann)

The bottler Dun Eideann bottled this Caol Ila, an 18 year old, distilled in 1974, from cask 12440-48, bottled at 43%, one of 3800 bottles. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

This was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. In the oxidative middle years the spirit deepens, oxidation drawing out waxy fruit as the guaiacol smoke fades to embers. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness.

At 43% it is supple and oily. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a quiet vanilla under the smoke. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is a clean coastal malt with a lemony peat.