Caol Ila – 40 Year Old Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) (70cl, 49%)

This is a 40-year-old Islay single malt from Caol Ila, chosen for the Director's Special series from The Single Malts of Scotland. It is a single cask bottling of 135 bottles, filled at 49% in a 70cl size by Elixir Distillers. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour. The profile joins ripe peach and citrus with honey, herbs, honeysuckle and restrained coastal smoke. Salty minerality and ripe oak add a maritime edge. The nose is lively with citrus and ripe peach, honeysuckle, a fine touch of spice and gentle smoke. The palate is rich and fruit-led, with black pepper and other spices in contrast, and a velvety, slightly dry texture. The finish is long, dry, nutty and clearly spiced.