Caol Ila Peat & Fruit (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

This Caol Ila was bottled by the bottler The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, from cask 9424, bottled at 55%, one of 384 bottles. Caol Ila is the most heavily bottled of all the Islay malts. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above.

This was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. A wine cask held it, layering berry fruit over the malt. No age is given, but vanillin vanilla and the lemony phenols of the smoke are well knit. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. The lighter style means the cask and the citrus speak alongside the peat. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols.

At a hearty 55% it carries real weight. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with plum and red berry from the cask. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.