Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2007 Cask #302319 (Wilson & Morgan)

From the Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan, a 12 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2007, from cask 302319, bottled at 55.8%, one of 280 bottles. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

The spirit was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, shaping the lighter side of Islay. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and sweet beneath the peat. Through integration the spirit and cask settle, lactone coconut and a soft vanillin balancing the easing phenols. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

At 55.8% without water it is rich and full. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a light bourbon sweetness. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.