Caol Ila 15 Years Old (57%)

Caol Ila, a distillery release, a 15 year old, at 57%. Caol Ila was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland.

Here the spirit was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of orchard fruit building as the peat turns gentle and coastal. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style.

At 57%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.