The white building of Caol Ila distillery is shown sitting on a body of water, surrounded by a rocky shore and mountains in the background.

Discover Caol Ila

Caol Ila was first established on the Isle of Islay in 1846, when steam ships would deliver supplies before returning to the mainland with a precious cargo of the finished product.   

The distillery was demolished and rebuilt in the early 1970s and today remains the biggest on the island. 

Caol Ila is renowned for its nose with subtle traces of olive oil and light-bodied flavor with notes of salt and a sweet smokiness. The distillery occasionally releases unpeated editions which provide a Highland style Scotch with a more floral profile.  

A bottle of Caol Ila is held between two wooden barrels. The person holds the bottle around the middle which shows the floral tattoos on their forearms.

People and places don’t just shape a single malt Scotch whisky’s flavour. They change the course of its future.

Visit the Distillery

Since reopening after a 2022 renovation, the Caol Ila distillery welcomes Scotch-lovers in for guided distillery tours that show the production process in detail.  

There are also experiences including both introductory and more in-depth tasting sessions for beginners and afficionados alike.  

Caol Ila is on the Northeast part of Islay, making it a great place to start a trip around the island, especially given its close proximity to Jura.  

Learn more
A black wooden barrel sits behind the corner of a black brick wall, sitting in front of a white wall. The barrel displays white printed letters saying ‘Caol Ila Dist’. Framing the barrel are hanging baskets with assorted colourful flowers.

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