Caol Ila 16 Years Old 2006 Cask #307365 (Elixir)

A Caol Ila drawn by Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers, distilled in 2006, from cask 307365, bottled at 55%. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on the Isle of Islay. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

Made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, for the clean island smoke prized by blenders. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. In the oxidative middle years the spirit deepens, oxidation drawing out waxy fruit as the guaiacol smoke fades to embers. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus.

Undiluted at 55%, it is powerful. A smoky, briny coastal character, with honeyed oak underneath. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is a clean Islay smoke from the island's largest distillery.