Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2012 Cask #318267, 269, 273,341 (Signatory)

The Un-Chillfiltered Collection

700ml / 46%

Single Malt

$83

A 10 year old Caol Ila, 2012, at 46% from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage. A maritime peat smoke carries lemon, sea salt and an oily body. Bottled by independents the world over, and by Diageo itself. A workhorse of the blending halls and a favourite of malt drinkers. This is the smoky workhorse of Johnnie Walker in single malt form.

In stock

Available

SKU CIL908 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

A 10 year old Caol Ila from the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, from cask 318267, 269, 273,341, bottled at 46%. Caol Ila wears its Islay smoke more lightly than its southern neighbours. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge.

It was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. An ex-Bourbon barrel gave a gentle sweetness and a creamy edge. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. The peat here is medium rather than heavy, so fruit and smoke share the glass. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

At an easy 46% it is gentle. A clean peat with sea salt and citrus, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. A long maritime smoke closes it. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.