Caol Ila 45 Years Old 1979 Cask #7711 (Signatory)

A Caol Ila of a 45 year old chosen by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1979, from cask 7711, bottled at 48%, one of 99 bottles. Caol Ila has distilled at Port Askaig since the middle of the 19th century. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Here the spirit was made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, giving a bright, citrus driven peat. Refill American oak let the spirit speak, adding a quiet honeyed note. 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. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style.

Undiluted at 48%, it is powerful. Peat, smoked fish and a citrus oil, with a creamy oak note. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.