Caol Ila 14 Years Old 2006 Cask #302302 (Whisky-Doris)

A 14 year old Caol Ila from the bottler Whisky-Doris, from cask 302302, bottled at 53.3%, one of 150 bottles. Caol Ila is the smoky backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. The malt is medium peated, giving a cleaner smoke than the south shore Islays.

Run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to lead. By the integrating teens harsher congeners fade and ethyl esters build, lending a riper citrus over the softening peat. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

At a hearty 53.3% it carries real weight. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with a light bourbon sweetness. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.