Caol Ila 32 Years Old 1983 Harbourside Brazier (Wemyss)

A 32 year old Caol Ila from the bottler Wemyss Malts, bottled at 46%, one of 280 bottles. Caol Ila is an Islay malt of clean, oily, citrus driven smoke. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

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 great, fragile age oxidation has the last word, ethereal esters, beeswax and old polished tannins where the smoke once was. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. The lighter style means the cask and the citrus speak alongside the peat. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with honeyed oak underneath. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.