Caol Ila 11 Years Old PrLi (Precious Liquors)

The bottler Precious Liquors released this Caol Ila, an 11 year old, from cask 311555, bottled at 57.3%, one of 310 bottles. Caol Ila has distilled at Port Askaig since the middle of the 19th century. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

The spirit was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, giving a bright, citrus driven peat. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. In integration the oak lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the phenols, the whole growing rounder and oilier. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

Undiluted at 57.3%, it is powerful. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a creamy oak note. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is an elegant Islay single malt.