Caol Ila 8 Years Old (Premier Barrel)

The Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing released this Caol Ila, an 8 year old, bottled at 46%, one of 364 bottles. Caol Ila is a maritime malt, matured within sound of the sea. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura.

Drawn off a high cut from peated barley, building a refined, maritime peat. A bourbon barrel held it, the oak lending vanilla and a little cream. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

At an approachable 46% it is balanced. Smoke, lemon and a peppery oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.