Caol Ila 9 Years Old 2011 Cask #317202+317221+317225 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage released this Caol Ila, a 9 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 317202+317221+317225, bottled at 46%, one of 787 bottles. Caol Ila sends more spirit to independent bottlers than almost any malt. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

This was made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is a lemony, coastal Islay single malt.