Caol Ila Distillery

The Brand

Caol Ila Distillery

Pronounced 'cull-eela', the distillery is situated on the north eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay and the spectacular Paps of Jura.

Take a peek at the ins and outs of our working distillery. From the magnificent views of the Paps of Jura to large scale whisky production at its best.

Caol Ila is one of the lighter Islay whiskies, pale in colour, with peaty, floral and peppery notes. In addition to being sold as a single malt, it is used heavily (around 95% of their production) in blends such as Johnnie Walker and Black Bottle.

History

In 1846, Glasgow distillery owner Hector Henderson picked a little bay on the Sound of Islay for his distillery site. He named it for the sound itself, and it was across this sound the little puffer ships made their round trips to the mainland – slowly helping to establish the distillery as the biggest on Islay.

Awards

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Different expressions of Caol Ila have rated highly at spirit ratings competitions. The Caol Ila 12-year, received two double gold, three gold, and one silver medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition between 2005 and 2010.

Contact

Port Askaig
PA46 7RL

Phone 01496 302760
Email caolila.distillery@diageo.com

Directions

The Distillery is located 1 mile from Port Askaig, one of Islay’s two ferry ports.

Best Hotels Near Distillery

Port Askaig Hotel
Jura Hotel
Islay House
Bridgend Hotel
Port Charlotte Hotel

Scotland's West Coast Whisky Trail

Explore The Whisky Coast from Isle of Arran, Campbeltown, Islay, Highlands and Skye, to the Isle of Lewis

Further Information

Friend of the Classic Malts

Become a Friend and receive exclusive offers, news and free access to distilleries for life.