Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2010 Cask #312834 (Global Whisky Limited)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the bottler Global Whisky Limited, an 11 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 312834, bottled at 51%, one of 311 bottles. Caol Ila is an east coast Islay distillery on the strait facing Jura. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

The spirit was drawn off the distillery's six tall stills from peated barley, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A bourbon barrel held it, the oak lending vanilla and a little cream. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath.

At cask strength 51% it is muscular. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is an elegant Islay single malt.