Nestled in a hidden cove near Port Askaig, Islay, the Caol Ila (pronounced “Cull Eela”) distillery sent its whisky to market by sea for over a hundred years. Caol Ila is the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Scotland's West Coast. The distillery was founded in 1846 and is situated on the shores of the Sound, a spot originally chosen partly because of the clean water from Loch Nam Ban which still provides its main supply. Full bodied and more intense than the younger versions it has spiced, peaty, sea air notes, peppery flavours and a complex well-rounded finish. This single malt was awarded a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2008/2009.