Caol Ila Batch 22 (TBWC)

A Caol Ila drawn by the bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company, bottled at 54.1%, one of 260 bottles. Caol Ila was rebuilt in the 1970s into the large distillery it is today. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends.

Here the spirit was run from peated malt through tall stills on Loch nam Ban water, giving a bright, citrus driven peat. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness beneath the smoke. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. The peat here is medium rather than heavy, so fruit and smoke share the glass. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge.

At a full 54.1% it is bold and oily. Sea spray, smoke and a citrus lift, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. A long maritime smoke closes it. This is an elegant Islay single malt.