Caol Ila 23 Years Old 1975 Finest (Hart Brothers)

A 23 year old Caol Ila, this distilled in 1975 from the bottler Hart Brothers, bottled at 43%. Caol Ila is among the most widely traded of Islay's single malts. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

Here the spirit was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, shaping the lighter side of Islay. An ex-Bourbon barrel gave a gentle sweetness and a creamy edge. At this oxidative, evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a polished, drying structure while slow oxidation brings waxy tropical fruit over a ghost of peat. The lighter style means the cask and the citrus speak alongside the peat. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.