Caol Ila Rare Malts Selection 21 Years Old 1975

Caol Ila from the distillery, a 21 year old, from 1975, at 61.3%. Caol Ila is an east coast Islay distillery on the strait facing Jura. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

Here the spirit was distilled from medium peated malt in tall copper stills, for a smoke more elegant than heavy. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. Oxidative maturity brings a waxy, fruity depth, ethyl esters of orchard fruit building as the peat turns gentle and coastal. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke.

Bottled at a cask strength 61.3%, it is intense. Wood smoke, lemon zest and brine, with a light vanilla and a touch of coconut. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.