Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2008 (SMWS 53.285)

A beachcomber��s stash

700ml / 60.2%

Single Malt

$401

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Caol Ila, a 10 year old, 2008, at 60.2%. Its clean Islay smoke runs to lemon, brine and a soft oil. Bottled by independents the world over, and by Diageo itself. Among the most widely traded of Islay’s single malts. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on Islay. This is a finely judged Islay single malt.

Only 1 left in stock

Only 1 left

SKU CIL1003 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

A Caol Ila of a 10 year old chosen by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 2008, from cask 53.285, bottled at 60.2%, one of 295 bottles. Caol Ila is prized for a smoke that leans to lemon and olive oil rather than tar. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

It was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for a clean, coastal, oily make. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. By the integrating teens harsher congeners fade and ethyl esters build, lending a riper citrus over the softening peat. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way.

At 60.2%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a light bourbon sweetness. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.