Caol Ila 18 Years Old 2007 Cask #319464 (BB&R)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the London wine merchant Berry Bros and Rudd, an 18 year old, distilled in 2007, from cask 319464, bottled at 48.6%. Caol Ila is among the most widely traded of Islay's single malts. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

Worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, for an oily smoke that leans to lemon and brine. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. In the oxidative middle years the spirit deepens, oxidation drawing out waxy fruit as the guaiacol smoke fades to embers. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

At 48.6%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.