Caol Ila

The biggest distillery in Islay.

Founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson near Port Askaig on the isle of Islay, the Caol Ila distillery (meaning the Sound of Islay in the Gaelic language) is the biggest producer of Scotch Whisky in the island. During its long history, the Caol Ila distillery has changed hands several times. Currently, the brand is owned by Johnny Walker, a brach of the British multinational beverage company Diageo.

The Caol Ila distillery sources its water from the nearby lake of Loch Na Bam, roughly a mile from the main facility. The barley comes mostly from mainland Scotland, but it is malted according to the distillery requirements in Port Ellen, on the opposite side of the island. The resulting peated malt has a phenol content around 35 ppm, which gives it a gently smokey character. As regards ageing, the distillery uses mostly ex Bourbon American oak barrels, and to a lesser extent ex Sherry oak casks.

In 1970, the Caol Illa facilities were completely rebuilt to optimize production processes and increase overall capacity. Nowadays, the distillery produces over 6 milion liters of eau-de-vie per years.

At the beginning of the XXth century, the company launched a series of Caol Ila Whiskies that, while preserveing the traditional Islay character, were adapted to the evolving taste of contemporary whisky aficionados. Nowadays, the Single Malt Whisky (in 12, 18 and 25-year-old bottlings) is the best-known product of the Caol Ila distillery. Less experienced drinkers, however, might prefer Caol Ila Moch, a gently peated and elegantly saline No Age Specification Whisky which neatly showcases the house style.

Year of foundation: 1846
Address: Port Askaig
City: Isle of Islay
Province:
Zip code: PA46 7RL
Country: UK
Phone number: 01496302769
Guided visits? Yes
Wine tourism services? Yes