Caol Ila 35 Years Old 1983 A Rare Find (Gleann M��r)

A Caol Ila of a 35 year old chosen by the bottler Gleann M��r, distilled in 1983, bottled at 56.4%. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

Here the spirit was run through tall copper stills that keep the smoke light, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness beneath the smoke. 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 clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.4%, it is intense. A clean peat with sea salt and citrus, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. The smoke fades slow over citrus and a mineral tang. This is an elegant Islay single malt.