Caol Ila 29 Years Old 1990 (SMWS 53.333)

A 29 year old Caol Ila, this distilled in 1990 from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, from cask 53.333, bottled at 54.9%, one of 221 bottles. Caol Ila makes a clean, maritime malt on the east coast of Islay. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness.

Here the spirit was drawn off the distillery's six tall stills from peated barley, giving a bright, citrus driven peat. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to lead. Oxidative and evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple) over the softened smoke. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. The malt is medium peated, giving a cleaner smoke than the south shore Islays. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years.

At a full 54.9% it is bold and oily. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with honeyed oak underneath. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is an elegant Islay single malt.