Caol Ila Distillery stands on the north-eastern coast of Islay, close to Port Askaig, overlooking the Sound of Islay towards Jura. The name Caol Ila means ‘Sound of Islay’ in Gaelic. The distillery was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson. For many years, supplies arrived and whisky left the remote site by ship. In the early 1970s, the old complex was largely demolished and replaced by a much larger distillery with six stills. Their shapes were carefully reproduced to preserve the familiar character of the spirit.

Caol Ila is one of Islay’s largest producers and was long valued primarily as a smoky malt for blended Scotch, including Johnnie Walker. Today, the distillery is equally admired for its single malt whisky. Water is drawn from Loch nam Ban, while the peated malt is supplied from Port Ellen. Caol Ila is known for a comparatively light and refined style in which peat smoke, citrus, olive oil, salt, seaweed and sweet smoke come together. Unpeated versions are also produced occasionally. This combination of smoke, freshness and versatility makes Caol Ila highly regarded by both independent bottlers and whisky enthusiasts.