Venue Description

Enjoy a warm welcome to the New Caol Ila Brand home situated on the rugged coastline of Islay. Prior to Diageo’s multi-million-pound transformation, visitors once made their way to the bottom of the hill and a narrow road which separates looming, white-bricked distillery buildings from the pier, shoreline, and swirling Sound of Islay. However, a visit to Caol Ila now engages all of the senses and a range of technologies to create an interactive and immersive experience which tells the bigger story of how whisky first arrived here in Scotland. Caol Ila fanatics will still gain insight into the makings of their favourite whisky and see behind the scenes, they will also get to savour rarities and distillery exclusives on flavour focused experiences.

Accessibility

To visit us here at Caol Ila distillery, you will turn left off the main road to join a single track road to the village of Caol Ila, less than a mile from Port Askaig. Continuing down the single track road, on the right hand you will see a blue sign with Caol Ila opening times, carry on past this and you will see the general cark park on the left hand side. Do not enter this car park, keep travelling on the single road past the general car park and follow the hill down in the direction of the accessible parking signage. Once you enter the site, travel along the road where you will then arrive in our car park and will find designated accessible parking bays, once you see the blue Johnnie Walker Striding Man, you know you’re in the right place! The accessible entrance is located directly opposite the parking bays, you will see it is surrounded with black railings. Once you have parked your vehicle, please stick to the pedestrian walkway which is painted with white lines and you will come to the accessible doorway into the Brand Home building. Take care when making your way to the door, as it is a working site and you may come across moving vehicles. On entering the accessible doorway, you will see signage for the lift to the Retail/Bar Area, it will direct you left, through a set of black double doors, which will be open. In the lift, press floor 3, where you will be warmly welcomed by the Caol Ila Team and can make a staff member aware of any additional support you may require or any questions you may have. Our Flavour Journey experience begins on floor 2 which is accessible by lift. This is where your guide will share our story table with you, which does consist of lighting and noise effects. This part of the experience will last for around 20 minutes. Next, is the tour of the production area, this does however remain inaccessible for those who have restricted mobility, due to steep stairs. However, there is a video of this section available to watch in our bar and retail area which you can access on floor 3 by using the lift, which your tour guide will kindly escort you to. The staff will be aware of this as you will have already communicated on checking in. Once the tour of production is complete and the tour group return to the Brand Home, you will re-join at this point for the maturation area. The tasting at the end of the tour is located at the tasting booths which is accessible using the lift. Relax and enjoy the view. Our Spirit of Smoke experience is located on floor 3 in the maturation area which can be slightly chilly, however, is fully accessible. We have an accessible toilet on each floor of the Brand Home building. One is located next to the retail desk on the 3rd floor and the other is located on the 2nd floor where our experience takes place. This is also where you can find our baby changing facilities. Due to health and safety reasons, children under 8 years old are not permitted on the experiences, however, they are welcome in the retail and bar area. We provide highchairs if required and can assist with the heating of milk/food. Our beloved four legged friends do not have access to our production site. We have a bar area within our retail space, both tots and paws are welcome here as you sample a wide range of offerings.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/

Accessible Performances

Our Flavour Journey experience includes our story room, that is highly immersive and uses a combination of light, media, music, sensory moments and special effects that may not be suitable for all audiences. Please note this part of the experience can be skipped if need be . Just let your guide know on arrival. The visit into the production site is however, not fully accessible for those with mobility restrictions. This is due to stairs in the production area.

Toilets

We have one accessible toilet on each floor of the Brand Home building. This is one on the retail floor and one on the story room floor, where the tour begins. Both accessible toilets have grab rails and safety pull cords. We also have baby changing facilities in our accessible toilet on the third floor.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

There are a number of near by walks in the area where dogs can safely enjoy a run around. Please seek local guidance if required and follow advisory signage when out and about to ensure the safety of your pet and the surrounding nature and animals.

Other assistance dog facilities

Assistance animals are welcome in our retail and bar area, as well as the experience floor, however, are not permitted in the production area. We have a water bowl located at the level three entrance.