Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2010 Cask #318711 (Signatory)

A Caol Ila of an 8 year old chosen by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, distilled in 2010, from cask 318711, bottled at 58.4%, one of 228 bottles. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

Made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. In its extractive youth the spirit takes vanillin vanilla and lactone coconut quickly, the peat phenols vivid and lemony. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays.

At a full 58.4% it is bold and oily. A bonfire smoke with lemon and sea salt, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.