Caol Ila 15 Years Old 2007 (Spiriti Leggendari)

A Caol Ila of a 15 year old chosen by the bottler Spiriti Leggendari, distilled in 2007, bottled at 53.4%. Caol Ila has been bottled at every age from young and fierce to old and waxy. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

The spirit was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. In the oxidative middle years the spirit deepens, oxidation drawing out waxy fruit as the guaiacol smoke fades to embers. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke.

At its natural 53.4% it is concentrated. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. A long maritime smoke closes it. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.