Caol Ila The Distillers Edition 2022

This Caol Ila comes from the distillery itself, at 43%. Caol Ila takes its name from the Gaelic for the Sound of Islay. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

It was drawn off a high cut from peated barley, giving the lighter Islay style its shape. Maturation in an Oloroso cask laid dried fruit over the make. No age is given, but vanillin vanilla and the lemony phenols of the smoke are well knit. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Sea air works into the maturing casks, lending a briny, coastal lift. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland.

At an approachable 43% it is balanced. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with grape, honey and a floral lift from the cask. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. Ash, lemon and brine draw out the close. This is a clean Islay smoke from the island's largest distillery.