Caol Ila 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #CM302 (The House of MacDuff)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the bottler The House of MacDuff, a 15 year old, distilled in 2008, from cask CM302, bottled at 55.7%, one of 236 bottles. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Here the spirit was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, for a clean, coastal, oily make. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the spirit. In the oxidative middle years the spirit deepens, oxidation drawing out waxy fruit as the guaiacol smoke fades to embers. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols.

Bottled at a cask strength 55.7%, it is intense. A coastal peat with citrus and pepper, with honeyed oak underneath. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.