Caol Ila 13 Year Old Discovery Gordon & MacPhail Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 70cl 43%

About Caol Ila Distillery

Founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson, Caol Ila Distillery is one of Islay's largest and most important whisky producers. Located on the rugged north-eastern coast of the island, overlooking the Sound of Islay towards Jura, the distillery enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in Scotch whisky.

The name Caol Ila (pronounced "Cull Eela") comes from the Gaelic for "Sound of Islay", referring to the narrow stretch of water separating Islay and Jura. The cool maritime climate and coastal location play an important role in shaping the distillery's elegant and distinctive spirit.

Following a major rebuild in 1972, Caol Ila became one of the most modern distilleries on Islay while carefully preserving the character of its whisky. Today, it is owned by Diageo and is one of Scotland's highest-producing malt whisky distilleries, with much of its spirit destined for renowned blended Scotch whiskies such as Johnnie Walker, while an increasing number of official and independent single malt releases have gained international acclaim.

Unlike some of Islay's heavier peated whiskies, Caol Ila is celebrated for producing a more refined and elegant style. Its signature flavour profile combines clean peat smoke, maritime salinity, citrus zest, green apple, honey, vanilla and delicate black pepper spice, creating a whisky that is both approachable and unmistakably Islay.

The distillery uses six large copper pot stills and traditionally peated malted barley, producing a spirit that matures exceptionally well in a variety of cask types, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts and wine casks. Older and independently bottled Caol Ila expressions are particularly prized for their balance of smoky complexity, coastal freshness and remarkable depth.

Today, Caol Ila is regarded as one of the finest producers of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, admired by collectors and enthusiasts alike for its consistency, versatility and elegant interpretation of peated Scotch whisky.