Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2010 Watt Whisky (Campbeltown Whisky Company Ltd.)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the bottler Campbeltown Whisky Company Ltd, a 10 year old, distilled in 2010, bottled at 58.2%, one of 326 bottles. Caol Ila is the most heavily bottled of all the Islay malts. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

This was worked from peated barley through the distillery's tall stills, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Caol Ila's smoke leans to lemon, olive oil and brine rather than tar or iodine. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols.

At 58.2% without water it is rich and full. A fresh peat smoke over oily lemon, with a light bourbon sweetness. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is an elegant Islay single malt.