Caol Ila has slowly but surely become easy to get hold of over the last decade thanks to this core expression being released in 2002. It has always been in high demand by blenders, in particular for Johnnie Walker whiskies. This expression relies on ex-bourbon cask ageing and has a pronounced smokiness (although not as much as Laphroaig, Lagavulin or Ardbeg). What makes this really attractive as a dram is a satisfyingly sweet, creamy, vanilla start which flows into a more fruity and smoke dominated finish.