Caol Ila 12 Years Old ChWh (Chorlton Whisky)

A 12 year old Caol Ila, from the bottler Chorlton Whisky, bottled at 57.8%, one of 229 bottles. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

Here the spirit was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years.

At a hearty 57.8% it carries real weight. Wood smoke, lemon zest and brine, with a light bourbon sweetness. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.