Caol Ila 9 Years Old 2012 Cask #327591+327594+327598 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage released this Caol Ila, a 9 year old, distilled in 2012, from cask 327591+327594+327598, bottled at 46%, one of 1075 bottles. Caol Ila is an east coast Islay distillery on the strait facing Jura. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

It was worked from peated barley through the distillery's tall stills, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. A second fill bourbon cask kept the oak in the background. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy.

At 46% it is clean and coastal. A clean peat with sea salt and citrus, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.