Founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson on Islay’s northeast coast near Port Askaig, Caol Ila Distillery is a leading producer of single malt Scotch whisky, owned by Diageo, a global spirits company. Named after the Gaelic term for “Sound of Islay,” the distillery overlooks the strait between Islay and Jura. Renowned for its peated, maritime-influenced whiskies, Caol Ila also produces approximately 30% unpeated whisky for blends, such as Johnnie Walker and Black Bottle.

With an annual production capacity of 6.5 million litres, it is the largest distillery on Islay, combining traditional methods with modern upgrades, including a 2011 expansion that increased capacity by 700,000 litres. Caol Ila’s quality and Diageo’s global distribution network position it as a strong candidate for investment in the premium whisky cask market, particularly for peated whisky enthusiasts.