Caol Ila 16 Years Old 2006 They Inspired III Whisky Icons (Michiel Wigman)

A 16 year old Caol Ila from the bottler Michiel Wigman, bottled at 53.3%, one of 200 bottles. Caol Ila sits on the shore at Port Askaig, on the narrow Sound of Islay. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

Run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for a clean, coastal, oily make. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip, the smoke now mellow. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. Its peated character is built on malt smoked to a medium level of phenols. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

At cask strength 53.3% it is muscular. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.