Caol Ila 35 Years Old 1982 (Single Cask)

Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's released this Caol Ila, a 35 year old, distilled in 1982, bottled at 51.6%, one of 174 bottles. Caol Ila wears its Islay smoke more lightly than its southern neighbours. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era.

It was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and sweet beneath the peat. Ethereal and fragile, decades have drawn the spirit to a waxy, tropical delicacy, sotolon and old oak over a soft mineral smoke. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

At a natural 51.6% it is full and oily. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a light bourbon sweetness. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.