Caol Ila 14 Years Old 2007 Cask #311595, 96 & 97 (Wilson & Morgan)

From the Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan, a 14 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2007, from cask 311595, 96 & 97, bottled at 58%, one of 790 bottles. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

This was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. By the integrating teens harsher congeners fade and ethyl esters build, lending a riper citrus over the softening peat. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through.

At 58% without water it is rich and full. A clean peat with sea salt and citrus, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is an elegant Islay single malt.