Caol Ila 25 Years Old 1982 Pure Islay Malt (Silver Seal)

From the bottler Silver Seal, a 25 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 1982, bottled at 46%, one of 316 bottles. Caol Ila makes a clean, maritime malt on the east coast of Islay. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries.

This was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. Years in ex-Bourbon wood lent a soft vanilla and a coastal calm. Oxidative and evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple) over the softened smoke. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way.

At 46% it is supple and oily. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.