Caol Ila 25 Years Old 1989 Cask #DL 10749 (XOP)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, a 25 year old, distilled in 1989, from cask DL 10749, bottled at 53.6%, one of 255 bottles. Caol Ila is the smoky backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

It was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. 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. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

Bottled at a cask strength 53.6%, it is intense. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.