About Caol Ila
(kowel-EEL-ah) Caol Ila was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson near Port Askaig on Islay’s east coast, overlooking the Sound of Islay between Islay and Jura. Its Gaelic name refers to that stretch of water, and the site was chosen with access to sea transport and a water supply from Loch nam Ban. Ownership changed early, passing to Norman Buchanan in 1854 and then to Bulloch Lade & Co in 1863.
The distillery became part of the Distillers Company in the 20th century and is now owned by Diageo. Caol Ila was completely rebuilt between 1972 and 1974, creating a much larger site that remains Islay’s biggest malt whisky distillery. Much of its smoky, coastal spirit is used in blends, including Johnnie Walker, while official single malt releases such as the 12 Year Old have made its lighter, precise style of peated Islay whisky widely recognised.