Caol Ila Batch 3 (TBWC)

A 6 year old Caol Ila, from the bottler That Boutique-y Whisky Company, bottled at 52.2%, one of 372 bottles. Caol Ila is Diageo's largest Islay distillery. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke.

This was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, building the elegant Islay smoke at its heart. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the spirit. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

Undiluted at 52.2%, it is powerful. Ashy smoke, lemon oil and a saline tang, with vanilla and a soft caramel from the wood. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. This is the smoky malt of the Sound of Islay.