Caol Ila Distillery
Caol Ila Distillery is the largest distillery to grace the lands of the magical Isle of Islay. Founded in 1846, it produces a lighter whisky than its contemporaries. Distinguished peppery and floral flavours define this whisky, all while encompassing the famous peaty accent of an Islay whisky.
The history of Caol Ila Distillery
Hector Henderson founded Caol Ila, and from then on, it has been mostly in consistent production apart from a period of time during WW2. Sugar was rationed, as was barley, to maintain stocks for bakers to manage food rations. From then on, the distillery changed hands a few times, each new proprietor making their mark with varying additions to its structure. Finally, in 1972, it was demolished and rebuilt, maintaining its original architectural style. And that brings us to where we are today, with a fully refurbished distillery with a higher capacity for production. It went from two stills to six!
Book Your StayProduction
Caol Ila whisky uses spring water from the nearby Loch nam Ban. Here the water rises through the limestone a gravitates toward the sea. It is here that it passes by Caol Ila, where its water is used to produce over three million litres of whisky a year. Barley comes from nearby Port Ellen for the malting process. After malting, mashing and fermentation, the next stage is the still room. The still room with spectacular views over The Sound of Islay is where distillation happens. Finally, the whisky is produced and is mostly aged in either bourbon casks, but some is aged in sherry wood. It is said to age well and is a popular whisky, and is rated highly in whisky competitions around the world.
Caol Ila Distillery Tours
If you want to find out more about this whisky and the process of making it, then you can head along and embark upon one of their whisky experiences. Here you can take part in a range of experiences. Meet the team behind this whisky in tours like Behind the Bottle – Meet the Operators. Additionally, there is a range of fun and exciting tasting experiences to choose from, such as Booth with a View. Embark upon a boat trip, Passengers of Pibroch on the beautiful Sound of Islay. Here you will learn about the history of Caol Ila and sample its delights from the decks. And their North to South: A Peaty Passage tour, you experience tastings at Caol Ila Distillery before heading to tour Lagavulin Distillery for more! See their range of whisky experiences on their website and take your pick!
Looking for accommodation on Islay?
If you are looking for self-catering accommodation on Islay, then take a look at our range of accommodation. At Islay Cottages, we have Kilchoman House and Kilchoman Cottages, which are based in the beautiful and remote Kilchoman by the stunning sands of Machir Bay. So why not book your stay today? If you have any questions then please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Book Your StayEverything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
