Caol Ila 18 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Caol Ila sits on the Sound of Islay looking across to Jura, and its tall stills produce a smoke that is cleaner and more mineral than the island's heavier styles. At eighteen years the peat has softened considerably, leaving a malt that is polished rather than fierce.

The nose is a distant beach bonfire: dry smoke, wet wool, a trace of mineral oil and wax. The palate starts smooth and mildly sweet with good acidity, bright citrus and green apple cut through by sea salt and a familiar iodine note, with vanilla and toffee rising underneath a spine of gentle spice.

Smoke drifts through the long, faintly charred finish. One of the more elegant expressions of Islay peat, and best appreciated neat with a few drops of water.