Caol Ila

Islay's biggest distillery is also its least showy: most of Caol Ila's smoky spirit disappears into Johnnie Walker and other blends, which is exactly why blenders treasure it. Bottled as a single malt it is a revelation — lighter and more elegant than the south-shore heavyweights, all grilled lemon, olive brine and clean woodsmoke. Distilled overlooking the Sound of Islay with the Paps of Jura filling the still-house windows.