Caol Ila 20 Years Old 1989 (SMWS 53.142)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottled this Caol Ila, a 20 year old, distilled in 1989, from cask 53.142, bottled at 55.9%, one of 209 bottles. Caol Ila has distilled at Port Askaig since the middle of the 19th century. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

The spirit was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for the clean island smoke prized by blenders. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to lead. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip, the smoke now mellow. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.9%, it is intense. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.