Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2010 Cask #313845 (Pendulum Spirits Ltd)

The bottler Pendulum Spirits Ltd selected this Caol Ila, an 11 year old, distilled in 2010, from cask 313845, bottled at 56.8%, one of 304 bottles. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland.

Run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. 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. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily.

At 56.8% without water it is rich and full. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with a creamy oak note. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.