Caol Ila 15 Years Old Ses (Sestante)

The bottler Sestante released this Caol Ila, a 15 year old, bottled at 65.3%. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

This was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. An American oak hogshead added vanilla and a light toffee. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of orchard fruit building as the peat turns gentle and coastal. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era.

At its natural 65.3% it is concentrated. Peat, smoked fish and a citrus oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.