Caol Ila
Nestled in a hidden cove near Port Askaig, the Caol Ila (pronounced “Cull Eela”) distillery sent its whisky to market by sea for over a hundred years.
Sniff the air over a glass and smoky, sea-fresh aromas recall an age, not so long ago, when fishing and cutting peat were the traditional occupations in this part of Scotland. Few men make a living cutting peat on the island today, but the old traditions live on in the skills of our distillery workers and in the ingredients they still use at Caol Ila.
Caol Ila™ has remained undiscovered by many but has become much-prized by malts lovers across the world. Those lucky enough to visit us will have experienced the wonderful Islay setting that is brought to life through the range of Caol Ila whiskies, led by the 12 year old expression.
CAOL ILA™ DISTILLERS EDITION™ has taken the top Single Malt Scotch Whisky honours at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, whose results were announced on 28 March. After three days of judging, it was awarded the accolade of “Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky”.
This stylish, richly flavoured and complex expression of Caol Ila has – after many years maturation in oak casks – been double-matured in dark Moscatel caskwood, hand-selected to complement the whisky’s sweetly fruity, smoky intensity.
This expression is not new to expert praise. It won Gold – Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2009, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge in 2009 and 2010, and Gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2010.