Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2012 Cask #324399 328561 328569 (James Eadie)

The bottler James Eadie released this Caol Ila, an 8 year old, distilled in 2012, from cask 324399 328561 328569, bottled at 46%. Caol Ila is one of the largest malt distilleries in all of Scotland. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

This was made from medium phenol malt on soft Loch nam Ban water, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. In these extractive early years the oak surrenders vanillin as vanilla and cis oak lactones as coconut, while guaiacol carries a vivid, lemony peat smoke. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

At an easy 46% it is gentle. A smoky, briny coastal character, with honeyed oak underneath. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.