Introduction:
Caol Ila distillery produces a lighter Islay whisky with floral and peppery notes that complement the traditional peaty flavor. It became part of the United Distillers conglomerate in 1986, leading to the release of the “semi-official” Flora & Fauna bottling range in 1989. Independent bottlings of Caol Ila whisky have been well received by the whisky community.
Production:
Caol Ila uses pure spring water from nearby Loch nam Ban, which flows towards the sea. As a volume distillery owned by Diageo, it produces over three million liters of pure alcohol annually.
Pot Stills:
Caol Ila’s stillroom offers a breathtaking view of the Sound of Islay. The distillery has six wash stills and spirit stills, both with large onion-shaped bases, no waists, and long arms. The stills are replicas of the ones in the old distillery, providing consistency.
Malting:
Since 1974, Caol Ila has sourced malted barley from Port Ellen, where it is peat-smoked. Some experts note a difference in taste before and after the distillery started using Port Ellen maltings, with the newer whisky being lighter and cleaner.
Warehouse:
While there is a three-story warehouse on-site, all Caol Ila whisky is now transported to the mainland for aging and bottling. The whisky is predominantly aged in bourbon casks, with some in sherry wood, and has excellent aging potential.
History:
Built in 1846, Caol Ila is the largest of the eight distilleries on the Isle of Islay. Its name translates to “Sound of Islay” in Gaelic, referencing its proximity to Jura. The distillery has a long history of consistent production, briefly interrupted only during World War II. It underwent expansions and changes in ownership over the years, with a complete demolition and rebuild in 1972 to meet increased demand.
Visitor Centre:
Caol Ila does not have a formal visitor centre, but tours of the facilities are available.
Visitor information:
The Caol Ila Distillery
Port Askiag
Isle of Islay PA46 7RP
Tel: 01496-840207
Fax: 01496-840660
Information about the Distillery: |
|
| Number of bottles: | 0 Bottles |
| Country, Region: | Scotland, Islay |
| Coordinates: | -6.109302 55.854300 |
| Status: | Active |
| Company: | Diageo |
| Still 1: | 3 x 19,000 l Pear |
| Still 2: | 3 x 12,500 l Pear |
| Fermenters: | 8 x 57,000 l |
| Mashtun: | 12 t |
| Founding year: | 1846 |
| Distillery output: | 3,000,000 l |
Introduction:
Caol Ila distillery produces a lighter Islay whisky with floral and peppery notes that complement the traditional peaty flavor. It became part of the United Distillers conglomerate in 1986, leading to the release of the “semi-official” Flora & Fauna bottling range in 1989. Independent bottlings of Caol Ila whisky have been well received by the whisky community.
Production:
Caol Ila uses pure spring water from nearby Loch nam Ban, which flows towards the sea. As a volume distillery owned by Diageo, it produces over three million liters of pure alcohol annually.
Pot Stills:
Caol Ila’s stillroom offers a breathtaking view of the Sound of Islay. The distillery has six wash stills and spirit stills, both with large onion-shaped bases, no waists, and long arms. The stills are replicas of the ones in the old distillery, providing consistency.
Malting:
Since 1974, Caol Ila has sourced malted barley from Port Ellen, where it is peat-smoked. Some experts note a difference in taste before and after the distillery started using Port Ellen maltings, with the newer whisky being lighter and cleaner.
Warehouse:
While there is a three-story warehouse on-site, all Caol Ila whisky is now transported to the mainland for aging and bottling. The whisky is predominantly aged in bourbon casks, with some in sherry wood, and has excellent aging potential.
History:
Built in 1846, Caol Ila is the largest of the eight distilleries on the Isle of Islay. Its name translates to “Sound of Islay” in Gaelic, referencing its proximity to Jura. The distillery has a long history of consistent production, briefly interrupted only during World War II. It underwent expansions and changes in ownership over the years, with a complete demolition and rebuild in 1972 to meet increased demand.
Visitor Centre:
Caol Ila does not have a formal visitor centre, but tours of the facilities are available.
Visitor information:
The Caol Ila Distillery
Port Askiag
Isle of Islay PA46 7RP
Tel: 01496-840207
Fax: 01496-840660
Information about the Distillery: |
|
| Number of bottles: | 0 Bottles |
| Country, Region: | Scotland, Islay |
| Coordinates: | -6.109302 55.854300 |
| Status: | Active |
| Company: | Diageo |
| Still 1: | 3 x 19,000 l Pear |
| Still 2: | 3 x 12,500 l Pear |
| Fermenters: | 8 x 57,000 l |
| Mashtun: | 12 t |
| Founding year: | 1846 |
| Distillery output: | 3,000,000 l |