Caol Ila 22 Years Old 1984 Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the independent Murray McDavid, a 22 year old, distilled in 1984, bottled at 54.1%, one of 567 bottles. Caol Ila is the most heavily bottled of all the Islay malts. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness.

It was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. First fill bourbon gave it a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut. At this oxidative, evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a polished, drying structure while slow oxidation brings waxy tropical fruit over a ghost of peat. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

At cask strength 54.1% it is muscular. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with a quiet vanilla under the smoke. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.