Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2012 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks (Elixir)

An 11 year old Caol Ila from Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers, bottled at 48%. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

The spirit was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. A bourbon barrel held it, the oak lending vanilla and a little cream. By the integrating teens harsher congeners fade and ethyl esters build, lending a riper citrus over the softening peat. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

At a natural 48% it is full and oily. A smoky, briny coastal character, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.