Caol Ila Scotch Whisky

Caol Ila Scotch whisky distillery was founded by Hector Henderson in 1846.

The distillery gathers its water from Loch Nam Bam "over which ever the anon and fragrant breeze from the myrtle and blooming heather is wafted" (Alfred Bernard 1877) Henderson ceased trading and Bulloch, Lade & Co bought the distillery in 1863 and rebuilt it in 1879.

During 1920 the Caol Ila Distillery became a subsidiary of Robertson & Baxter Ltd. who’s management came under the control of DCL in 1927. This was then passed to DCLs Scottish Malt Distillers in 1930 and the distillery fell silent form 1930 until 1937.

The distillery underwent a major reconstruction during 1972-74. All the distillery buildings apart from the warehousing were demolished and replaced with larger better-designed buildings. The stills were increased from 2 to 6.

The distillery started distilling again in 1974 obtaining its malt from DCL’s Port Ellen.

Caol Ila Whisky Tasting Notes

Distillery Style

Nose : Smoke and Tar. Rock pools, coal tar soap.

Palate : Full bodied and oily. Peaty, malty, smoke and embers.

Finish : Long and warming.