Caol Ila was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson and is on the northeastern coast of Islay, close to the village of Port askaig. The distillery has one of the most spectacular still rooms in Scotland, overlooking the Sound of Islay – this translates as Caol Ila in Gaelic. It is owned by Diageo and is the largest distillery on the famous whisky island. The single malt is well regarded, but its main purpose is to produce peated whisky for blending – Caol Ila gives blends such as Johnnie Walker Black Label their distinctive smoky character. As a result, the distillery is home to one of Diageo’s Johnnie Walker ‘Four Corners of Scotland’ visitor experiences, being the Islay representative.
Caol Ila
Islay
Established 1846
The distillery that gives Johnnie Walker its smoky character, Caol Ila is Islay through and through.
Spirit Character
Peaty and ashy with an oily coatal texture, plus a lemony citrus tang.
Taste profile
Lemon
Oil
Smoke
Indicative bottle values by age
A snapshot of current market pricing across key age statements for Caol Ila. Values are indicative and for illustrative purposes only.
Facts & Figures
RegionIslay
Established1846
OwnerDiageo
Number of Stills3 wash, 3 spirit
Annual Capacity6,800,000 litres of alcohol
Distillery Directory
Producers across Scotland’s whisky regions
Scotland’s whisky regions are home to a diverse range of distilleries, each shaped by its own history, production methods and location. While regional classifications provide a useful framework, the character of Scotch whisky ultimately reflects the individual producers that operate within these regions.
The directory below provides an overview of distilleries across Scotland, together with their regional location within the Scotch whisky landscape.
Aberfeldy
Aberlour
Allt a Bhainne
Ardbeg
Ardmore
Auchentoshan
Auchroisk
Aultmore
Balblair
Balmenach
Ben Nevis
Benriach
Benrinnes
Bladnoch
Blair Athol
Bowmore
Braeval
Bruichladdich
Bunnahabhain
Caol Ila
Clynelish
Craigellachie
Dailuaine
Dalmore
Deanston
Fettercairn
Glenburgie
Glen Elgin
Glenfarclas
Glen Garioch
Glenglassaugh
Glen Grant
Glen Keith
Glenkinchie
Glenlivet
Glenlossie
Glenmorangie
Glen Moray
Glen Ord
Glenrothes
Glen Spey
Glentauchers
Inchgower
Invergordon
Jura
Knockdhu
Laphroaig
Ledaig
Linkwood
Littlemill
Loch Lomond
Macallan
Macduff
Mannochmore
Miltonduff
Mortlach
North British
Port Dundas
Port Ellen
Royal Brackla
Speyburn
Springbank
Strathisla
Strathmill
Tamdhu
Tamnavulin
Teaninich
Tobermory
Tomatin
Tomintoul
Tullibardine
The distilleries above represent a selection of producers whose spirit contributes to the diversity of Scotch whisky.
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