Caol Ila, The Islay Home of Johnnie Walker

The reimagined Caol Ila visitor experience tells the 176-year-old story of the distillery, its people, and its much-loved whisky. Guests from all over the globe discover how this spirit, first distilled on a small Hebridean island, grew to become a symbol of Scotland and an export that conquered the world.

For this singular whisky visitor experience, the creative team drew upon the extensive Diageo archives, whisky historians and makers, and members of the community for those stories, artefacts, and local arts and crafts. Approaching the distillery from parking, guests see the Paps of Jura loom above the rooftops on the distillery. Then, on a bend in the road, they discover a new entranceway reached via a bridge connected to the upper floors of the distillery warehouse. Visitors step into a modern and bustling retail area, the design of which, with exposed beams and rafters, accentuates the building’s original features. Caol Ila’s flavour, which provides the smoky bonfire backbone to Johnnie Walker blends, is reflected in the black, grey, and white palette highlighted by the red and orange of glowing embers.

From there, the visitor experience unfolds with every step, within story rooms where guests embark on an interactive adventure which engages sights, sounds, scents, and flavours. When guests enter the bar area, new floor to ceiling windows reveal stunning views of the Sound and the isle of Jura. In addition to the flavour journey, whisky fanatics can savour rarities and distillery exclusives on flavour-focused experiences and tasting platters featuring local specialties will entice travellers and local guests alike.

Distillery operations and the new visitor experience incorporate sustainable practices throughout Caol Ila, including responsible water and energy usage, and processes put in place for waste, nature conservation, eco-tourism, accessibility, and sourcing local goods.

Efforts to create a truly inclusive brand home include implementing accessibility measures in line with Euan’s Guide, the information source for accessibility in visitor attractions. Signage uses universal symbols and language-assist devices are available. The brand home is family- and pedestrian-friendly, and all experiences offer non-alcoholic options.