Caol Ila 31 Years Old 1981 Cask #2930 (Silver Seal)

A Caol Ila of a 31 year old chosen by the bottler Silver Seal, distilled in 1981, from cask 2930, bottled at 54.2%, one of 256 bottles. Caol Ila is the largest distillery on the Isle of Islay. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

It was worked from peated barley through the distillery's tall stills, shaping the lighter side of Islay. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the spirit. In its ethereal years the malt is waxy and oxidative, faded esters and a touch of sotolon (maple, spice) over the merest whisper of peat. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The malt is medium peated, giving a cleaner smoke than the south shore Islays. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright.

At a natural 54.2% it is full and oily. Smoked lemon, brine and a green olive note, with a creamy oak note. The texture is oily, the smoke threaded with citrus. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.