USA SHIPPING FROM $28
EU SHIPPING FROM €16
USA SHIPPING FROM $28
EU SHIPPING FROM €16
$100
Drawn by the Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan, a 12 year old Caol Ila, at 48%. A coastal smoke runs to lemon, olive oil and a peppery lift. Most of its make goes into the Johnnie Walker blends. Islay’s quiet giant, vast yet refined. It is Diageo’s largest Islay distillery by some way. This is one of the most characterful of the Islay malts.
Only 2 left in stock
Description
The Italian bottler Wilson and Morgan selected this Caol Ila, a 12 year old, distilled in 2009, from cask 321951-961-63-64, bottled at 48%, one of 1262 bottles. Caol Ila sends more spirit to independent bottlers than almost any malt. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.
Here the spirit was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. In integration the oak lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the phenols, the whole growing rounder and oilier. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.
At its natural 48% it is concentrated. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.
Additional information
$100
