Caol Ila 40 Years Old 1979 Cask #DL 13741 (XOP)

XOP

700ml / 50.1%

Single Malt

$3112

This Caol Ila was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, a 40 year old, at 50.1%. Smoked lemon, sea spray and a soft oil run through it. Islay’s quiet giant, vast yet refined. The distillery looks out to the Paps of Jura. The spirit is matured largely on the mainland. This is a versatile Islay single malt from Port Askaig.

In stock

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SKU CIL334 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

The Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing bottled this Caol Ila, a 40 year old, distilled in 1979, from cask DL 13741, bottled at 50.1%, one of 232 bottles. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

The spirit was drawn off the distillery's six tall stills from peated barley, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. A long spell in ex-Bourbon oak rounded the spirit gently. At this great, fragile age oxidation has the last word, ethereal esters, beeswax and old polished tannins where the smoke once was. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

At 50.1%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A clean maritime smoke with lemon and brine, with a touch of vanilla and toffee. An oily smoke coats the palate, citrus and brine behind. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.