Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 12 Years Old 1995

Caol Ila, a distillery release, a 12 year old, from 1995, at 43%. Caol Ila is prized for a smoke that leans to lemon and olive oil rather than tar. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations.

Here the spirit was worked from peated malt for the lighter Islay style, shaping the lighter side of Islay. A first fill sherry cask drove a deep, figgy, nutty character. Through the integration phase spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into a rounded vanilla as the guaiacol phenols mellow into a softer smoke. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. Caol Ila's smoke leans to lemon, olive oil and brine rather than tar or iodine. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character.

At 43% it is smooth and clean. A coastal peat with citrus and pepper, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. It finishes smoky, oily and bright. This is one of the most versatile of the Islay malts.