The name Caol Ila derives from the Gaelic "Caol Ìle", which means "The Sound of Islay". The distillery's journey began in 1846 when it was founded by Hector Henderson. Despite his previous experience at Littlemill, the distillery did not succeed and changed hands in 1854. 9 years later, it was sold again, this time to Bulloch Lade & Co., who expanded production. The distillery faced more changes in ownership and a few closures up to the 1970s when the old buildings were demolished and replaced by larger ones, and additional stills were installed, making it once again the largest distillery on the island. Since 2004, Caol Ila has been a part of Diageo's portfolio, bottling single malts, as well as using the liquid for Johny Walker blends.
It is known for being one of the most delicate whiskies on the island, wich light colour, citrusy flavours and ashy peat.