Caol Ila

Caol Ila Distillery, established in 1846 by Hector Henderson, is situated near Port Askaig on the northeastern coast of Islay, Scotland. Its name, derived from the Gaelic “Caol Ìle,” means “Sound of Islay,” reflecting its location overlooking the strait between Islay and Jura.

The distillery experienced several ownership changes in its early years, including a sale to Norman Buchanan in 1854 and later acquisition by Bulloch Lade & Co. in 1863. In the 1920s, it became part of the Distillers Company Limited, a predecessor of the current owner, Diageo.

In 1972, Caol Ila underwent a significant reconstruction, replacing its original buildings (except for the warehouses) to increase production capacity. The number of stills was expanded from two to six, allowing for greater output while maintaining the distillery’s characteristic style .

Caol Ila is renowned for its lighter style of Islay single malt whisky, characterized by a balance of peaty smoke, floral notes, and a peppery finish. While a significant portion of its production contributes to blends like Johnnie Walker, Caol Ila also offers a range of single malt expressions, including 12-, 18-, and 25-year-old bottlings