Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2011 Cask #900008-19 (Murray McDavid)

The independent Murray McDavid selected this Caol Ila, an 8 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 900008-19, bottled at 46%, one of 1242 bottles. Caol Ila has distilled at Port Askaig since the middle of the 19th century. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

Distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. An American oak hogshead added vanilla and a light toffee. Early, extractive maturation draws vanillin (vanilla) and furfural (toasted almond) from the wood over a clean, phenolic smoke. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

At 46% it is clean and coastal. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is a clean, smoky Islay single malt from Caol Ila.