Caol Ila 26 Years Old 1990 Cask #8730 (Murray McDavid)

From the independent Murray McDavid, a 26 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 1990, from cask 8730, bottled at 50.4%, one of 188 bottles. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on the Isle of Islay. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

It was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, giving a clean, lemony peat. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanilla and a light sweetness under the smoke. Oxidative and evaporative ageing turns the malt rich and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple) over the softened smoke. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus.

At a full 50.4% it is bold and oily. A clean ashy smoke with lime and brine, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is a clean Islay smoke from the island's largest distillery.