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Caol Ila

Distillery
Port Askaig, Islay, Scotland

Whiskies (7,204)

7,204 Caol Ila whiskies are currently listed on Whiskybase.

About Caol Ila

Located on Islay's north-east coast and founded in 1846, Caol Ila has long been a supplier of major blends such as Johnnie Walker. For much of its history, its output remained largely behind the scenes, mostly used for blending rather than single malt releases. In recent decades, however, a substantial increase in official bottlings and independent cask releases has exposed more drinkers to its unique style, making it a favorite among many aficionados.

Quick Facts

Region Islay
Country Scotland

Timeline

Norman Buchanan

1854

Extension and renovation

1879

Robertson & Baster

1920

Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD)

1930

Production started again

1945

Renovation started

1972

United Distillers (UD)

1987

Upgrade of capacity

In November 2011, Diageo announced an 3.500.000 Pound Investment in Upgrading Caol Ila distillery. 

2012

Bullock, Lade & Co.

1863

Two additional stills are installed.

1885

Distillers Company Limited (DCL)

1927

Production resumes

1937

Minor refurbishment

In May 1948, Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd. called for tenders for the reconstruction of the pier at the distillery.

1948

Renovation finished

1974

Diageo

1999

Timeline

1854

Norman Buchanan

1863

Bullock, Lade & Co.

1879

Extension and renovation

1885

Two additional stills are installed.

1920

Robertson & Baster

1927

Distillers Company Limited (DCL)

1930

Scottish Malt Distillers (SMD)

1937

Production resumes

1945

Production started again

1948

Minor refurbishment

In May 1948, Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd. called for tenders for the reconstruction of the pier at the distillery.

1972

Renovation started

1974

Renovation finished

1987

United Distillers (UD)

1999

Diageo

2012

Upgrade of capacity

In November 2011, Diageo announced an 3.500.000 Pound Investment in Upgrading Caol Ila distillery. 

Distillery Details

Capacity ~6.5MLPA
Water Source Loch nam Ban
Grain Type Malted barley
Distillation Type Pot stills
Whisky Produced Single malt
Maltings on Site No
Mash Tun Material Stainless steel
Mash Tun Type Lauter
Number of Washbacks 10
Washback Capacity ~63,000L for wooden
Washback Material 8(wooden), 2(steel)
Washbacks (Open/ Closed) Open
Yeast Type Creamed yeast
Fermentation Time ~55-60hours
Wash Stills 3
Wash Still Material Copper
Wash Still Shape Plain/onion base, no waist, long lyne arms
Wash Still Capacity 19,000L(charged), ~35,000L(full)
Wash Still Heating Steam
Spirit Stills 3
Spirit Stills Material Copper
Spirit Stills Shape Plain with bulbous base, long necks
Spirit Still Type Pot still
Spirit Still Capacity 12,000L per cycle
Spirit Still Heating Steam
Condensor Type Shell-and-tube
Maturation on Site? Yes
Warehouse Type Racked
New Make Strength ~70% ABV
Cask filling strength ~63.5% ABV
Bottling on Site No

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KVK: 60207205
VAT: NL853809112B01