Caol Ila Distillery

Caol Ila Distillery sits on the northeast coast of the Isle of Islay near Port Askaig, with sweeping views across the Sound of Islay to Jura. It is the largest distillery on Islay and is well known for its elegant, smoky single malt and dramatic coastal setting.

The visitor experience blends immersive storytelling, coastal scenery and guided tastings that showcase Caol Ila’s signature peated style and its role within modern Scotch whisky production.

About Caol Ila Distillery

Founded in 1846, Caol Ila has grown into one of Islay’s most important distilleries, producing a distinctive peated whisky shaped by maritime influence and long-established production methods.

Its remote shoreline location, overlooking the Paps of Jura, contributes to its identity as a coastal Islay malt with a balance of smoke, sweetness, and clarity. The distillery is also closely associated with major blended whisky production while maintaining a strong single malt presence.

Caol Ila Distillery Tours & Experiences

Flavour Journey Tour £21

Our signature tour at Caol Ila, Flavour Journey is a full-sensory, immersive experience. Led by an expert guide, you’ll delve into the rich story of Caol Ila and learn how we became the Islay Home of Johnnie Walker – one of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries whose liquids make up the blend.

This 90-minute experience includes a tour of the distillery, including our sensory story room, before a tutored tasting of 3 drams and a wee cocktail served in the bar. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Paps of Jura, while you sip and learn about the flavours of Caol Ila and Johnnie Walker.

This experience includes our story room, that is highly immersive and uses a combination of light, media, music, sensory moments and special effects that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Please note that children are not permitted on distillery tours due to health & safety reasons.

Duration: 1.5 hr

Spirit of Smoke: Cask Draw & Tasting £60

An unmissable adventure for whisky lovers, the Spirit of Smoke is a truly special experience where you’ll sample five unique cask-strength Caol Ila expressions that are available only at the distillery. Held in our Maturation Warehouse (dress warm as it can be chilly!), you’ll enjoy the stories of Caol Ila while your expert guide draws the drams you’ll taste directly from the cask, right in front of your eyes.

On this tasting there is a range of casks from a youthful 12 Year Old to a more mature 18 Year Old. This intimate 90-minute tasting gives you a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Caol Ila and a unique insight into the creativity and craft that makes this single malt a whisky to be admired.

Duration: 1.5 hr

Caol Ila's Premium Retail Tasting £25

Join us at Caol Ila for a tutored tasting of four premium whiskies, including one of our limited releases.

Immerse yourself in our stunning retail space, in which you will be offered a 10% discount across almost all of our extensive range of whisky, glasses, gifts, clothing and other merchandise after your tasting.

There will also be an opportunity to enjoy our wonderful bar, and breathtaking views of the Paps of Jura.

As you would expect, our knowledgeable team can offer you a whisky menu incorporating expressions from Caol Ila and many other iconic distilleries across Scotland. We also serve tasty and aromatic cocktails, craft beers, wines, soft drinks, coffee and tea, along with light lunches, sweet and savoury snacks.

Durarion: 30mins

Sleeping Stills £15

Our alternative experience whilst our stills sleep during 'silent season' at Caol Ila as there is NO access to the Distillery Production at this time.

'Sleeping Stills' is a full-sensory, immersive experience. Led by a passionate guide , you’ll delve into the rich History of Caol Ila and learn how we became the Islay Home of Johnnie Walker – one of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries whose liquids make up the blend.

This 60 minute experience includes a visit to our story room and your guide will talk through the production process using analogies and props as well as a nose of interesting casks at our maturation area.

You will taste & discover different expressions of Caol ila whilst you take your journey around our experience floor with your guide. This is followed by a Johnnie Walker Highball in our outstanding booths. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Paps of Jura, while you sip and learn about the flavours of Caol Ila and Johnnie Walker. (Drams include Distillers Edition and Two Distillery exclusive expressions.)

Duration: 1hr

Caol Ila x Islay Cocoa: Artisanal Chocolate Pairing £45

Join us for an exclusive tutored tasting where our knowledgeable guides will take you on a unique journey to expertly nose and taste a selection of four exceptional Caol Ila whiskies: each whisky will be masterfully paired with a luxury artisanal chocolate created by Emma Goudie, owner of Islay Cocoa.

Please note that this experience is only available on selected dates and times, and there are limited tickets available.

Following your experience there will also be an opportunity to enjoy our wonderful bar, and breathtaking views of the Paps of Jura. We also serve tasty and aromatic cocktails, craft beers, wines, soft drinks, coffee and tea, along with light lunches, sweet and savoury snacks.

Duration: 1 hour

Plan Your Visit to Caol Ila Distillery

Address:

Port Askaig, Isle of Islay PA46 7RL

Tour:

This distillery is included as part of our Jura and Northern Islay Tour and also our Johnnie Walker Four Corners of Scotland Tour.

Directions:

The Distillery is located 1 mile from Port Askaig, one of Islay’s two ferry ports.

Opening Times:

Opening hours vary. Please visit Caol Ila website for more information.

Facilities:

Visitor centre and retail space
Bar and tasting area with coastal views
Guided tour reception
Parking available

Podcast

We interviewed Jo McKerchar, Diageo Historian & Archivist and Sam Hale of the Caol Ila Distillery in our May 2022 podcast.

Sam and Jo discuss what makes the Caol Ila Distillery so special, from its unique and stunning setting to its role at the heart of the community that surrounds it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Caol Ila Distillery?

Caol Ila Distillery offers immersive whisky experiences including guided distillery tours, sensory storytelling experiences, and tutored tastings. Visitors can explore one of Islay’s largest distilleries and learn how its signature peated single malt is crafted, followed by guided drams served with views across the Sound of Islay.

How long does a Caol Ila Distillery tour take?

Most Caol Ila Distillery experiences last around 1.5 hours depending on the tour selected. Experiences typically include a guided distillery walkthrough followed by a tasting session in the visitor centre or bar area.

Is whisky tasting included at Caol Ila Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in Caol Ila Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy a selection of Caol Ila single malts, often accompanied by cocktails or additional tasting elements depending on the tour package.

Do I need to book Caol Ila Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Caol Ila Distillery tours, particularly during peak travel periods and summer months, as experiences are scheduled and spaces are limited.

What are the opening hours of Caol Ila Distillery Visitor Centre?

Caol Ila Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm during winter months, and Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm during the main season. Opening times may vary due to weather or operational requirements.

Is Caol Ila Distillery family friendly?

Caol Ila Distillery is family friendly in visitor centre areas such as the shop and bar. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors, with age restrictions applying to alcohol experiences.

Is Caol Ila Distillery accessible?

The Caol Ila Visitor Centre offers accessible facilities in key public areas, though some tour routes may include stairs or uneven surfaces due to the industrial nature of the distillery. Visitors are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance for specific accessibility requirements.

Is parking available at Caol Ila Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors at Caol Ila Distillery, including spaces for cars and coaches, with accessible parking close to the visitor centre.

Does Caol Ila Distillery have a café or shop?

Yes, Caol Ila Distillery has a visitor bar and retail space offering whisky, cocktails, light refreshments and distillery merchandise, with views over the Paps of Jura.

Where is Caol Ila Distillery located?

Caol Ila Distillery is located at Port Askaig on the Isle of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay and the Paps of Jura.