Caol Ila 32 Years Old 1988 Cask #1100 (Connoisseurs Choice)

From the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, a 32 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 1988, from cask 1100, bottled at 52.7%, one of 222 bottles. Caol Ila is the quiet giant of Islay, vast yet refined. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

Here the spirit was distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. Ethereal and fragile, decades have drawn the spirit to a waxy, tropical delicacy, sotolon and old oak over a soft mineral smoke. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Its peated character is built on malt smoked to a medium level of phenols.

At 52.7% without water it is rich and full. Peat, smoked fish and a citrus oil, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is an elegant Islay single malt.