Caol Ila 25 Years Old 1995 Cask #10024 (Wilson & Morgan)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan, a 25 year old, distilled in 1995, from cask 10024, bottled at 59.5%, one of 232 bottles. Caol Ila sends more spirit to independent bottlers than almost any malt. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

The spirit was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. A first fill sherry cask drove a deep, figgy, nutty character. In these late, evaporative years the spirit concentrates to a waxy, tropical depth, the ellagitannin grip holding the fading peat in frame. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

At a full 59.5% it is bold and oily. A bonfire smoke with lemon and sea salt, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.