Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2006 (SMWS 53.251)

A Caol Ila drawn by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 2006, from cask 53.251, bottled at 57.8%, one of 290 bottles. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

The spirit was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, giving a bright, citrus driven peat. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura.

At 57.8% without water it is rich and full. Peat, smoked fish and a citrus oil, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. A long maritime smoke closes it. This is an elegant Islay single malt.