Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on Caol Ila Distillery. This is one of eight such Scotch whisky distilleries currently active on the island of Islay off Scotland’s West Coast. The name is pronounced “Cull Eela”.

Summary facts and information on Caol Ila:

Owned by drinks giant, Diageo.

Located on east of Islay, close to the ferry port of Port Askaig.

Name translates as ‘Sound of Islay’.

Founded 1846 by Hector Henderson.

In 1972-4 all buildings except warehouses were demolished and rebuilt. Six new stills installed.

Experiments with unpeated malts conducted in 1999. Unpeated now accounts for about 30pct of newmake spirit.

Further upgraded in 2011 with new 13.5 tonnes full lauter mash tun plus two new washbacks.

Now produces 6.5 litres p.a., the highest volume on Islay.

Most production goes into blends such as Johnnie Walker and Bells. However, Caol Ila also produces a range of single malts which include:

12 year old.

15 year old

Distillers edition

18 year old

Moch

25 year old

Tours and tastings are available. Check website for details.

Visiting Islay

There are regular ferry crossings between Kennacraig on the mainland and Port Ellen and Port Askaig on Islay. Flights are also available from Glasgow.

More information for visitors

Information on distilleries on Islay, Islay itself and a wide range of information on Scotland can be found in Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.