Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2008 Cask #301632 (Samaroli)

A Caol Ila of a 12 year old chosen by the Italian bottler Samaroli, distilled in 2008, from cask 301632, bottled at 49%, one of 196 bottles. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

Drawn off a high cut from peated barley, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. Refill American oak let the spirit speak, adding a quiet honeyed note. Through the integration phase spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into a rounded vanilla as the guaiacol phenols mellow into a softer smoke. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath.

At a hearty 49% it carries real weight. A smoky, briny coastal character, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. 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.