Introduction to Signatory Caol Ila 45 Year Old Cask 7711 48.0%
Signatory Caol Ila 45 Year Old Cask 7711 (Caol Ila 1979 / 45 Year Old / Cask #7711 / Signatory Symington’s Choice) is an exceptionally rare Islay single malt whisky released by the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, sourced from the Caol Ila distillery. Part of Signatory’s prestigious Symington’s Choice series, this whisky is celebrated for its extended maturation and outstanding Islay character, making it highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors.
Background
Distillery: Caol Ila, located on the Isle of Islay near Port Askaig, is renowned for producing single malt whiskies with marine salinity, light peat, and smoky notes. Its expressions are known for their balanced fruitiness and coastal character, making it one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries.
Bottler: Founded in 1988, Signatory Vintage is a distinguished Scottish independent bottler known for selecting high-quality single casks and bottling them at cask strength or near cask strength. The Symington’s Choice series represents its premium range, featuring rare and exceptional casks personally selected by Signatory’s founder, Andrew Symington.
Expression: This Caol Ila 45 Year Old was distilled in 1979, matured in a single hogshead cask (Cask #7711), and bottled in 2025 as part of the Symington’s Choice series, showcasing the refined complexity derived from extended maturation.
Maturation and Characteristics
Maturation Period: Distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2025 after 45 years of maturation, resulting in a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
Cask Type: Single hogshead cask, typically a reassembled bourbon barrel or similar, imparting fresh fruit, vanilla, and gentle oak influences. The 45-year maturation softens the peat, accentuating Islay’s marine and smoky characteristics.
Alcohol Strength: 48.0% ABV, close to cask strength, with the alcohol naturally reduced over decades of maturation, preserving a concentrated yet balanced flavor.
Limited Release: As a single cask bottling, only 99 bottles were produced, each labeled with the cask number, making it highly collectible.
Flavor Profile
This 45-year-old Caol Ila showcases the classic Islay profile, refined by decades of maturation:
Aroma: Dominated by tar, iodine, and citrus, complemented by subtle medicinal notes, dried kelp, and a pronounced smoky character.
Palate: Silky and complex, blending marine salinity, ripe fruits (citrus and dried fruit), and faint herbal notes. The peat influence is mellowed by extended maturation, delivering a rounded and smooth mouthfeel.
Finish: Long and warming, with lingering smoke, iodine, and kelp flavors, accompanied by soft fruit and oak undertones.