Caol Ila 26 Years Old 1982 Cask #2723 (Getr��nke-Weiser)

A Caol Ila drawn by the bottler Getr��nke-Weiser, distilled in 1982, from cask 2723, bottled at 61.3%, one of 142 bottles. Caol Ila has distilled at Port Askaig since the middle of the 19th century. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

This was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, shaping the lighter side of Islay. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to 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 spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily.

Bottled at a cask strength 61.3%, it is intense. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. The smoke fades slow over citrus and a mineral tang. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.