Caol Ila 36 Years Old 1980 (Authentic Collection)

A Caol Ila of a 36 year old chosen by Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's, distilled in 1980, bottled at 52.3%, one of 210 bottles. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

The spirit was made from medium peated malt for a clean, smoky spirit, for a clean, coastal, oily make. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. 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. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy.

Undiluted at 52.3%, it is powerful. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with a gentle oak sweetness beneath. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is a clean Islay smoke from the island's largest distillery.