Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2010 (Phil & Simon Thompson)

A Caol Ila drawn by the bottler Phil & Simon Thompson, distilled in 2010, bottled at 52.9%, one of 500 bottles. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

Here the spirit was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, for an oily smoke that leans to lemon and brine. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the spirit. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura.

At its natural 52.9% it is concentrated. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.