Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2009 Cask #317858 + 317886 (Signatory)

A Caol Ila drawn by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 2009, from cask 317858 + 317886, bottled at 46%. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

It was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. In these extractive early years the oak surrenders vanillin as vanilla and cis oak lactones as coconut, while guaiacol carries a vivid, lemony peat smoke. The peat here is medium rather than heavy, so fruit and smoke share the glass. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with a light bourbon sweetness. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.