Caol Ila 18 Years Old 2006 Cask #307354 (Elixir)

From Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers, an 18 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 2006, from cask 307354, bottled at 52.5%, one of 271 bottles. Caol Ila sits on the shore at Port Askaig, on the narrow Sound of Islay. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

It was run from peated malt through tall stills on Loch nam Ban water, for the clean island smoke prized by blenders. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to lead. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of orchard fruit building as the peat turns gentle and coastal. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus.

At a natural 52.5% it is full and oily. A clean ashy smoke with lime and brine, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. The close is long, smoke over a citrus lift. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.