Sold outIn short · Caol Ila (Islay), 12 years.
“This subtle nose starts with biscuity notes (jammy dodgers, blackcurrant tart, café noir) – then brine intrudes – rock-pools, barnacles on a yacht, a seaside picnic…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS
SMWS 53.344 is a single cask of Caol Ila, in the Islay region, 12 years old, bottled at 56.3%. Every Society bottle numbered 53.x is from Caol Ila.
Specs, price and tasting-note extract from the SMWS. Full notes on smws.com.
Hidden in a cove above Port Askaig, gazing across the churning Sound of Islay to the Paps of Jura, Caol Ila (1846) is the island's largest distillery and the quiet engine-room of Johnnie Walker. On its own, though, it is a beauty: oily and cool, olive brine and lemon and a soft grey smoke. Diageo's.