Caol Ila 38 Years Old 1984 Cask #3122 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A 38 year old Caol Ila from the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, from cask 3122, bottled at 53.3%, one of 150 bottles. Caol Ila is a maritime malt, matured within sound of the sea. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era.

It was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. At this great, fragile age oxidation has the last word, ethereal esters, beeswax and old polished tannins where the smoke once was. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

At 53.3% without water it is rich and full. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.