Caol Ila 11 Years Old 2014 Cask #2003916 (Murray McDavid)

From the independent Murray McDavid, an 11 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2014, from cask 2003916, bottled at 56.3%, one of 290 bottles. Caol Ila is the smoky backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge.

Made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. 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. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus.

At a natural 56.3% it is full and oily. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.