Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2008 (SMWS 53.323)

A Caol Ila of an 11 year old chosen by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, distilled in 2008, from cask 53.323, bottled at 58.8%, one of 293 bottles. Caol Ila sits on the shore at Port Askaig, on the narrow Sound of Islay. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

Here the spirit was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus.

At 58.8%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is a lemony, coastal Islay single malt.