Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2009 Cask #319089 (Elixir)

Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers released this Caol Ila, an 11 year old, distilled in 2009, from cask 319089, bottled at 50%, one of 339 bottles. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

Here the spirit was drawn off the distillery's six tall stills from peated barley, for a clean, coastal, oily make. A second fill bourbon cask kept the oak in the background. By the integrating teens harsher congeners fade and ethyl esters build, lending a riper citrus over the softening peat. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke.

At 50% without water it is rich and full. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.