Established in 1846 near Port Askaig on Islay by Hector Henderson, Caol Ila means “Sound of Islay” in Gaelic. A fresh water supply was one reason for its siting and water has been important in many ways, ever since - a waterfall supplied power for the barley hoists and pressure for the fire hydrants. Today, a novel heat exchanger uses the sea to cool hot process water before returning it to the condensers, which for many years all supplies arrived and casks departed by sea, on a small coaster called the Pibroch. Caol Ila has been regularly globally awarded at the most prestigious events, since 2002.
The DISTILLERS EDITION is a collection of master-craftsmanship. Each cask in the series is individually selected and perfectly matched to the character of each of the single malts refined here. The two-parted maturation process gives more depth and complexity, which is the idea behind the limited DISTILLERS EDITION: preserving the perfection of the single malts that have already been awarded for their outstanding flavours. The selected taste nuances are more strongly accentuated in a way that is not found in the regular bottlings, but with fully maintaining the original character of these fine single malts.
SCOTLAND'S FINEST - Since 1997, the Distillers Editions have been an annual release of limited quantities, each very much true to its origins yet possessing a rich depth, complexity and nuance of flavour not found in the regular release. This excellent Caol Ila whisky has been firstly matured in Refill American and European Oak casks. With the second maturation finished in Moscatel-seasoned, re- charred American Oak with heavily recharred new AO ends.
PURE FLAVOUR - This golden edition of Caol Ila is brilliant, crisp and refined. The deep, sweet and smoky flavour profile reflects the intense, saturated colours of late afternoon sunshine after a storm has passed. The distillers edition of Caol Ila is richer and more intensely layered than the original expression, whilst remaining true to the distilleries crisp character. A rich texture from the sweet moscatel seasoned casks brightens the concentrated smoke, carefully balancing sweetness and body.
TASTING NOTES
COLOUR: Pale gold with green lights. Fine beading. Good viscosity.
BODY: Medium.
NOSE: Forward and immediately smoky-spicy, opening up to reveal Caol Ila’s trademark fresh clean notes. Once they appear, it’s as if someone has just put the bonfire out by throwing water on it. There is fruit too, subdued by comparison.
PALATE: Firm and oily-smooth in texture, the taste sweet and mouth coating to start, with a full smoky attack on the palate, and intensely flavourful in nature. This concentrated smokiness is well balanced by sweetness, body and light-wood spice.
FINISH: Long, smoky and robust; delightfully palate warming and spicy.
