Caol Ila 13 Years Old 2007 Cask #322180 (UD – bottler)

The bottler UD - bottler selected this Caol Ila, a 13 year old, distilled in 2007, from cask 322180, bottled at 59.1%, one of 150 bottles. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

The spirit was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. Through the integration phase spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into a rounded vanilla as the guaiacol phenols mellow into a softer smoke. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols.

At cask strength 59.1% it is muscular. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with a light bourbon sweetness. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.