Caol Ila 18 Years Old (59.8%)

Unpeated Style – Diageo Special Releases 2017

700ml / 59.8%

Single Malt

$249

This Caol Ila comes from the distillery, an 18 year old, at 59.8%. Soft ash and smoked citrus sit on an oily body. The distillery sits below a steep brae on the shore. The spirit is matured largely on the mainland. An east coast Islay distillery on the narrow Sound of Islay. This is a polished, maritime Islay single malt.

In stock

Available

SKU CIL030 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

Caol Ila, a distillery release, an 18 year old, at 59.8%. Caol Ila is prized for a smoke that leans to lemon and olive oil rather than tar. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era.

Worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, for an oily smoke that leans to lemon and brine. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of orchard fruit building as the peat turns gentle and coastal. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift.

At a full 59.8% it is bold and oily. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with a quiet vanilla under the smoke. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.