Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 11 Years Old 2006

An official Caol Ila, an 11 year old, from 2006, at 43%. Caol Ila is prized for a smoke that leans to lemon and olive oil rather than tar. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle.

This was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. A first fill sherry cask drove a deep, figgy, nutty character. Across the integration years the smoke loses its edge as esters and vanillin weave into a smoother, citrussy whole. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. The oily texture comes from the spirit cut, the cask adding depth around it. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. A smoky, briny coastal character, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is a clean, smoky Islay single malt from Caol Ila.