Sold outOct 2025In short · Caol Ila (Islay), 14 years.
“After 10 years in ex-bourbon wood, this was then transferred into a first fill port barrique – but regardless of that, the spirit (typically) transported us to an…”Extract · full tasting notes at SMWS
SMWS 53.508 is a single cask of Caol Ila, in the Islay region, 14 years old, bottled at 56.7%, released in the Oct 2025 Outturn. 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.