Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2011 First Cask (Whisky Import Nederland)

The bottler Whisky Import Nederland selected this Caol Ila, a 10 year old, distilled in 2011, bottled at 56.2%. Caol Ila is a maritime malt, matured within sound of the sea. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

The spirit was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. An ex-Bourbon barrel gave a gentle sweetness and a creamy edge. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries.

At 56.2% without water it is rich and full. A clean ashy smoke with lime and brine, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.