Caol Ila 29 Years Old 1982 Cask #6484 (Signatory)

The Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage bottled this Caol Ila, a 29 year old, distilled in 1982, from cask 6484, bottled at 56.3%, one of 263 bottles. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

Here the spirit was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. At this oxidative, evaporative stage ellagitannins lend a polished, drying structure while slow oxidation brings waxy tropical fruit over a ghost of peat. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright.

At a full 56.3% it is bold and oily. A coastal peat with citrus and pepper, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is a clean, smoky Islay single malt from Caol Ila.