Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 12 Years Old 2004

This 12 year old Caol Ila comes from the distillery itself, from 2004, at 43%. Caol Ila sends more spirit to independent bottlers than almost any malt. The original Victorian distillery was almost entirely rebuilt in the modern era.

This was distilled in tall stills that lend the smoke an oily lightness, shaping the lighter side of Islay. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. Through integration the spirit and cask settle, lactone coconut and a soft vanillin balancing the easing phenols. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. The clean, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while holding its citrus and smoke. The malt is medium peated, giving a cleaner smoke than the south shore Islays. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Wood smoke, lemon zest and brine, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. This is the elegant, lighter side of Islay.