Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 12 Years Old 2003

The Distillers Edition

700ml / 43%

Single Malt

$142

This Caol Ila comes from the distillery, a 12 year old, at 43%. Soft ash and smoked citrus sit on an oily body, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. Bottled by independents the world over, and by Diageo itself. Water comes from Loch nam Ban, above the distillery. This is one of the most characterful of the Islay malts.

In stock

Available

SKU CIL061 Categories Caol Ila, Islay, Scottish Whisky, Whiskey Brand: Caol Ila

Description

An official release of Caol Ila, a 12 year old, from 2003, at 43%. Caol Ila looks out across the Sound to the Paps of Jura. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila.

This was drawn off the distillery's six tall stills from peated barley, for a smoky spirit with a citrus lift. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness beneath the smoke. By the integrating teens harsher congeners fade and ethyl esters build, lending a riper citrus over the softening peat. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. A bonfire smoke with lemon and sea salt, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is an Islay malt that wears its smoke lightly.