Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2003 Cask #302482 + 302483 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage selected this Caol Ila, a 12 year old, distilled in 2003, from cask 302482 + 302483, bottled at 46%. Caol Ila is an Islay malt of clean, oily, citrus driven smoke. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

The spirit was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

At 46% it is smooth and clean. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with a quiet vanilla under the smoke. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.