Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2008 (The Whisky Cask) (53.8%)

A Caol Ila of a 12 year old chosen by the bottler The Whisky Cask, distilled in 2008, bottled at 53.8%. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

Distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays.

At a full 53.8% it is bold and oily. A coastal peat with citrus and pepper, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.