Caol Ila Distillery
Pronounced 'cull-eela', the distillery is situated on the North Eastern shores of Islay with magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. A major refurbishment is now complete and visitors are once again welcomed to this stunning distillery.
In 1846, Glasgow distillery owner Hector Henderson picked a little bay on the Sound of Islay for his distillery site. He named it for the sound itself, using the Gaelic Caol Ila, and it was across this sound the little puffer ships made their round trips to the mainland – slowly helping to establish the distillery as the biggest on Islay.
Address:
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay PA46 7RL
This distillery is included as part of our Jura and Northern Islay Tour and also our Johnnie Walker Four Corners of Scotland Tour.
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.
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.
Tours:
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
