Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 12 Years Old 2008

This distillery bottling of Caol Ila is a 12 year old, from 2008, at 43%. Caol Ila stands below a steep brae on Islay's rugged east shore. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

This was run from peated malt through tall stills on Loch nam Ban water, for a clean, coastal, oily make. A sherry cask gave dried fruit and a dark, nutty sweetness. Through the integration phase spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into a rounded vanilla as the guaiacol phenols mellow into a softer smoke. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years.

At an approachable 43% it is balanced. A lemony Islay smoke over olive oil, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. The palate is oily and smoky, with a green citrus lift. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. This is a clean coastal malt with a lemony peat.