Caol Ila 24 Years Old

175th Anniversary

700ml / 52.1%

Single Malt

$889

Caol Ila, a distillery release, a 24 year old, at 52.1%. The peat here is bright and lemony over an oily, maritime body. Its tall stills give a lighter, cleaner island spirit. A workhorse of the blending halls and a favourite of malt drinkers. Islay’s quiet giant, vast yet refined. This is an Islay malt of clean smoke and bright citrus.

In stock

Available

SKU CIL069 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

An official Caol Ila, a 24 year old, at 52.1%, 3000 bottles in all. Caol Ila has distilled at Port Askaig since the middle of the 19th century. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

Drawn off a high cut from peated barley, for the clean island smoke prized by blenders. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. In the oxidative and evaporative years the angel's share concentrates the spirit, tropical esters of mango and pineapple emerging as the smoke fades to a soft ash. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company. The peat here is medium rather than heavy, so fruit and smoke share the glass.

Bottled at a cask strength 52.1%, it is intense. A clean peat with sea salt and citrus, with a light bourbon sweetness. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.