Caol Ila 15 Years Old WDM Guardians of Rock & Whisky (Whisky Dungeon M��nster)

A Caol Ila of a 15 year old chosen by the bottler Whisky Dungeon M��nster, bottled at 55.4%, one of 86 bottles. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

Distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed and ellagitannin tannins lend a polished, drying frame to the smoke. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

At its natural 55.4% it is concentrated. A clean peat with sea salt and citrus, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.