Caol Ila 32 Years Old (The Kinship)

A 32 year old Caol Ila from the independent Hunter Laing, bottled at 48.1%, one of 223 bottles. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

This was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. Ethereal and fragile, decades have drawn the spirit to a waxy, tropical delicacy, sotolon and old oak over a soft mineral smoke. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

Bottled at a cask strength 48.1%, it is intense. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.