Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2008 (SMWS 53.321)

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society selected this Caol Ila, an 11 year old, distilled in 2008, from cask 53.321, bottled at 58.8%, one of 265 bottles. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

The spirit was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. An American oak hogshead added vanilla and a light toffee. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge. The malt is medium peated, giving a cleaner smoke than the south shore Islays. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy.

At a hearty 58.8% it carries real weight. Smoke, grapefruit and a maritime salt, with a creamy oak note. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is a maritime, lemony Islay single malt.