Caol Ila 14 Years Old 2010 Cask #311745 (BB&R)

A Caol Ila of a 14 year old chosen by the London wine merchant Berry Bros and Rudd, distilled in 2010, from cask 311745, bottled at 55.2%, one of 263 bottles. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura.

This was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. A sherry cask gave dried fruit and a dark, nutty sweetness. 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. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.2%, it is intense. A fresh peat smoke over oily lemon, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.