Caol Ila 28 Years Old 1974 Cask #12625 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage released this Caol Ila, a 28 year old, distilled in 1974, from cask 12625, bottled at 46%, one of 305 bottles. Caol Ila is the smoky backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

This was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. In the oxidative and evaporative years the angel's share concentrates the spirit, tropical esters of mango and pineapple emerging as the smoke fades to a soft ash. The lighter style means the cask and the citrus speak alongside the peat. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

At 46% it is clean and coastal. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is a maritime, lemony Islay single malt.