Distillery
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.
- Port Askaig · Islay · United Kingdom
- Since 1846
- 7 products
The story
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.
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.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Port Askaig
- Categories
- whisky
- single malt scotch
- Islay whisky
- peated whisky
- Raw materials
- malted barley
- spring water (Loch nam Ban)
- peat (for peated malts supplied by Port Ellen Maltings)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- ex-bourbon (American oak)
- hogshead (refill)
- Moscatel (finish, Distillers Edition)
- sherry casks (occasional use)
- 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
What makes it distinctive
- Islay single malt with maritime character and balanced peat
- Founded in 1846; historic production concentrated near Port Askaig
- Part of the Diageo group and a contributor to well-known blends
- Distillers Edition finished in Moscatel casks
- Renewed visitor experience completed in 2022