Caol Ila 15 Years Old 2005 Cask #100232-005 (UD – bottler)

The bottler UD - bottler selected this Caol Ila, a 15 year old, distilled in 2005, from cask 100232-005, bottled at 52.2%, one of 206 bottles. Caol Ila is a maritime malt, matured within sound of the sea. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

Here the spirit was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. Through oxidative maturity the phenols mellow and esters concentrate, citrus turning to candied lemon over a soft peat. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character.

At its natural 52.2% it is concentrated. Peat, smoked fish and a citrus oil, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The texture is oily, the smoke threaded with citrus. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.