Caol Ila 25 Years Old 1979 Cask #5334 (Blackadder)

The bottler Blackadder released this Caol Ila, a 25 year old, distilled in 1979, from cask 5334, bottled at 61.2%, one of 225 bottles. Caol Ila is an east coast Islay distillery on the strait facing Jura. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge.

The spirit was run from peated malt through tall stills on Loch nam Ban water, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. Oxidative and evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple) over the softened smoke. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation.

At a hearty 61.2% it carries real weight. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with a quiet vanilla under the smoke. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is an elegant Islay single malt.