Caol Ila 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #321240 + 41/44/46/47 (Wilson & Morgan)

The Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan released this Caol Ila, a 12 year old, distilled in 2009, from cask 321240 + 41/44/46/47, bottled at 55.3%, one of 1390 bottles. Caol Ila is the most heavily bottled of all the Islay malts. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

This was made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, building a refined, maritime peat. Maturation in an Oloroso cask laid dried fruit over the make. Through integration the spirit and cask settle, lactone coconut and a soft vanillin balancing the easing phenols. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries.

At 55.3% without water it is rich and full. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.