Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2009 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks (Elixir)

From Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers, a 10 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2009, bottled at 48%. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era.

The spirit was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

Undiluted at 48%, it is powerful. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with honeyed oak underneath. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.