Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 12 Years Old 2002

This 12 year old Caol Ila comes from the distillery itself, from 2002, at 43%. Caol Ila makes a clean, maritime malt on the east coast of Islay. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

Distilled with a long fermentation and a clean cut, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. Maturation in an Oloroso cask laid dried fruit over the make. Integration sees eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) fold into the spirit, the medicinal smoke gentler now. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. Smoke, grapefruit and a maritime salt, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. The finish runs oily, smoky and clean. This is Caol Ila's lighter, maritime Islay smoke.