Double Barrel Caol Ila / Tamdhu (Douglas Laing)

Double Barrel Caol Ila / Tamdhu (Douglas Laing) is a blended malt Scotch from Douglas Laing. It vats single malts from several distilleries, with Caol Ila for Islay smoke. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. A clean smoke and a coastal salt define the distillery style. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above. Its spirit also feeds blends such as Bell's and Black Bottle. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. The texture is oily, the smoke threaded with citrus. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.