Caol Ila 21 Years Old 1974 Cask #MM 0017 (Murray McDavid)

The independent Murray McDavid released this Caol Ila, a 21 year old, distilled in 1974, from cask MM 0017, bottled at 46%. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

The spirit was drawn off the distillery's six tall stills from peated barley, for a clean, coastal, oily make. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of orchard fruit building as the peat turns gentle and coastal. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. A bonfire smoke with lemon and sea salt, with a light bourbon sweetness. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is an elegant Islay single malt.