Caol Ila 15 Years Old (59.1%)

Caol Ila from the distillery, a 15 year old, at 59.1%. Caol Ila is the lighter, more elegant face of Islay smoke. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A wine cask held it, layering berry fruit over the malt. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (pear and apple) and a waxiness, the phenols softening to a coastal whisper. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation.

At a hearty 59.1% it carries real weight. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a spiced, dried fruit edge from the cask. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.