Caol Ila 10 Years Old 2013 100 Proof Edition #11 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage released this Caol Ila, a 10 year old, distilled in 2013, bottled at 57.1%. Caol Ila is the most heavily bottled of all the Islay malts. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

It was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A fortified or wine cask gave it a fruity, spiced depth. 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. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura.

Undiluted at 57.1%, it is powerful. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with brown sugar and a tropical lift from the cask. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is a lemony, coastal Islay single malt.