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
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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