Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2006 (SMWS 53.253)

An 11 year old Caol Ila from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, from cask 53.253, bottled at 57.2%, one of 288 bottles. Caol Ila is an Islay malt of clean, oily, citrus driven smoke. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge.

This was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Caol Ila's smoke leans to lemon, olive oil and brine rather than tar or iodine. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright.

At cask strength 57.2% it is muscular. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.