Caol Ila 13 Years Old 2003 (Private Collection)

From the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, a 13 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2003, bottled at 45%, one of 4100 bottles. Caol Ila is an east coast Islay distillery on the strait facing Jura. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge.

The spirit was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, giving a clean, lemony peat. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

At 45% it is smooth and clean. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.