Raw materials
malted barley
spring water (Loch nam Ban)
peat (for peated malts supplied by Port Ellen Maltings)
Distillery
Caol Ila
Explore the spirits, production style and story of Caol Ila.
Caol Ila is a Scottish producer of single malt whisky located on the northeastern coast of the island of Islay. Known for a style shaped by the maritime terroir and for peatiness that is present but often lighter than other Islay malts, Caol Ila is also an important source for national and international blends.
whisky
single malt scotch
Islay whisky
peated whisky
Producer range
Producer range Caol Ila
Spirit categories
whisky
single malt scotch
Islay whisky
peated whisky
Representative products
Whisky Caol Ila 12 Years Old 70cl - Boxed
Whisky Caol Ila 15 Years Unpeated 70cl
Whisky Caol Ila 18 Years Old 70cl
Whisky Caol Ila 25 Years 70cl - Gift box
Whisky Caol Ila 70cl - Boxed
Whisky Caol Ila Distiller Edition 100cl - Gift box
Whisky Caol Ila Distiller Edition 70cl - Gift box
Whisky Caol Ila Moch 70cl
Casks and ageing vessels
ex-bourbon (American oak)
hogshead (refill)
Moscatel (finish, Distillers Edition)
sherry casks (occasional use)
Distillation and production
Distillation and production
Production method
Production of single malt from malted barley; distillation takes place in copper pot stills. Water comes from local springs (Loch nam Ban) and the malt used for peated versions is supplied by the island's well‑known maltings (Port Ellen). Some bottles receive secondary ageing or finishing in fortified wine casks (e.g. Moscatel) for special editions.
Distillation
Copper pot stills (traditional single malt distillation).
Ageing
Maturing in wooden casks (hoghsheads/ex-bourbon/refill); some expressions receive secondary finishes in fortified wine casks (for example Moscatel) for Distillers Edition or special releases.
Producer history Caol Ila
Caol Ila was founded in 1846 near Port Askaig on the island of Islay. Over its history it has changed ownership several times and undergone redevelopment (the modern site was largely rebuilt in the 20th century). Today it is part of the Diageo portfolio and, after a significant investment in visitor facilities, the site reopened with a new visitor experience in 2022.
Production philosophy
Production aims at a consistent, recognisable single malt: a marine character and balanced peat, versatile enough to work both as a component in blends (notably for Johnnie Walker) and as a single‑malt expression in official releases and special editions.
Territory
Islay island (Scotland), northeastern coast near Port Askaig; maritime influence and the region's typical peat character.
Caol Ila
This producer is a useful reference point for enthusiasts looking for authentic spirits, distinctive production identity and a carefully selected online catalogue.
On this page you can discover the producer, understand its main categories and browse the products currently available for purchase.
Products from
Products from Caol Ila
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