Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks (Elixir)

Sukhinder Singh's Elixir Distillers released this Caol Ila, an 8 year old, distilled in 2014, bottled at 48%. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

This was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, shaping the lighter side of Islay. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily.

At 48%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. Peat, smoked fish and a citrus oil, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is a lemony, coastal Islay single malt.