Caol Ila 20 Years Old 1995 (Authentic Collection)

This Caol Ila was bottled by Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's, a 20 year old, distilled in 1995, bottled at 57.7%, one of 564 bottles. Caol Ila is an Islay malt of clean, oily, citrus driven smoke. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

Made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. At oxidative maturity vanillin and lactones are fully expressed and ellagitannin tannins lend a polished, drying frame to the smoke. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit. The lighter style means the cask and the citrus speak alongside the peat.

At its natural 57.7% it is concentrated. A smoky, briny coastal character, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.