Caol Ila 31 Years Old 1984 (Small Batch)

Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's selected this Caol Ila, a 31 year old, distilled in 1984, bottled at 52.1%, one of 432 bottles. Caol Ila sends more spirit to independent bottlers than almost any malt. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

It was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. At this great, fragile age oxidation has the last word, ethereal esters, beeswax and old polished tannins where the smoke once was. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

At 52.1% without water it is rich and full. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.