Caol Ila - 18 yrs

Caol Ila is a distillery located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson, it is now owned by Diageo and is known for producing peated single malt Scotch whisky. The 18-year-old expression from Caol Ila is a highly sought-after whisky, matured in a combination of refill American oak hogsheads and European oak ex-sherry butts.

Caol Ila is one of the largest distilleries on Islay, producing around 6 million liters of whisky per year. Despite its size, the distillery is known for producing high-quality whisky that is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts around the world. The production process begins with the malted barley being ground into grist, which is then mixed with hot water in a mash tun to create a sugary liquid called wort. Yeast is added to the wort, which ferments and produces alcohol. The resulting liquid, known as wash, is then distilled twice in copper pot stills to create new make spirit. The new make spirit is then matured in oak casks for a minimum of 18 years before being bottled as Caol Ila 18.

Caol Ila 18 is a prime example of the Islay style of whisky. It is heavily peated, with a smoky, medicinal flavor that is characteristic of the region. The whisky is also known for its briny, salty notes, which come from the distillery's proximity to the sea. Overall, Caol Ila 18 is a complex and well-balanced whisky that is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts around the world. Its combination of smoke, citrus, and sea salt make it a unique and memorable dram that is sure to impress even the most discerning whisky drinker.