Caol Ila 13 Years Old 2009 Cask #321883 (van Wees)

From the Dutch bottler van Wees, a 13 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2009, from cask 321883, bottled at 55.6%, one of 240 bottles. Caol Ila sends more spirit to independent bottlers than almost any malt. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness.

This was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, giving a clean, lemony peat. An ex-Bourbon barrel gave a gentle sweetness and a creamy edge. In integration the oak lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the phenols, the whole growing rounder and oilier. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.6%, it is intense. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is a clean, smoky Islay single malt from Caol Ila.