Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2001 Cask #309965 + 309966 (Ian Macleod)

From the bottler Ian Macleod, a 12 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2001, from cask 309965 + 309966, bottled at 43%, one of 911 bottles. Caol Ila is a workhorse of the blending halls and a favourite of malt drinkers. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

The spirit was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, for an oily smoke that leans to lemon and brine. 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. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Caol Ila's smoke leans to lemon, olive oil and brine rather than tar or iodine.

At an approachable 43% it is balanced. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.