Caol Ila 15 Years Old 2009 Cask #321975 (Wilson & Morgan)

A 15 year old Caol Ila from the Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan, from cask 321975, bottled at 57.7%, one of 284 bottles. Caol Ila is a workhorse of the blending halls and a favourite of malt drinkers. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

It was made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, shaping the lighter side of Islay. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip, the smoke now mellow. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy.

At a natural 57.7% it is full and oily. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with a light bourbon sweetness. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.