Smoky Scot Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky AcL (Aceo Limited)

A Caol Ila of a 5 year old chosen by the bottler Aceo Limited, bottled at 46%. Caol Ila is the smoky backbone of the Johnnie Walker blends. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

The spirit was run from peated malt through tall stills on Loch nam Ban water, building a refined, maritime peat. An American oak cask shaped it, soft and sweet beneath the peat. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and oak lactones a coconut sweetness, the guaiacol smoke bright and fresh. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way.

At an easy 46% it is gentle. Peat smoke, citrus and a soft oil, with vanilla and a honeyed edge from the cask. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. The finish is clean, smoky and maritime. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.