Caol Ila 12 Years Old 1999 The Whisky Trail (Speciality Drinks Ltd)

A Caol Ila of a 12 year old chosen by the bottler Speciality Drinks Ltd, distilled in 1999, bottled at 43%. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

It was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. 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. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style.

At 43% it is soft, oily and bright. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with honeyed oak underneath. The texture is oily, the smoke threaded with citrus. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.