Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2008 The Electric Coo Series (Campbeltown Whisky Company Ltd.)

A Caol Ila of a 12 year old chosen by the bottler Campbeltown Whisky Company Ltd, distilled in 2008, bottled at 54.1%. Caol Ila is an east coast Islay distillery on the strait facing Jura. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

This was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. An ex-Bourbon barrel gave a gentle sweetness and a creamy edge. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays.

Bottled at a cask strength 54.1%, it is intense. A coastal peat with citrus and pepper, with a creamy oak note. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. The smoke fades slow over citrus and a mineral tang. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.