Caol Ila – 2008 Quercus Alba Wilson & Morgan 12 Years Old Bottled 2020 (70cl, 46%)

This is a 12 year old Caol Ila from Islay, distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2020 by Wilson & Morgan at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It is a vat of five barrels, combining bourbon barrels with virgin American oak. The virgin oak adds a creamy, buttery sweetness and a sturdy backbone, with vanilla and soft tannins, while the bourbon barrels keep the smoky, sharp sea notes of Caol Ila. The salty, dry and mineral character of the distillery sits alongside that sweeter oak influence, making it richer, fuller and bolder than usual.