Islay's Distillery Stars Ready to Illuminate Fèis Ìle 2024 for Worldwide Attendees
A trio of inspired releases celebrate the night skies of the island and its rich and welcoming history.
Two of Islay’s best-loved single malt distilleries, Lagavulin and Caol Ila are launching three limited-edition bottlings to celebrate Fèis Ìle 2024 - offering new and unique expressions to fans visiting from across the globe.
At Lagavulin, the distillery is pushing the boundaries of flavour by unveiling two exceptional bottlings to celebrate Fèis Ìle - the Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle 29-Year Old and the Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2024 10-Year-Old – whilst Caol Ila explores fruity maritime and smoky notes with the Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old.
Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle, 29-Year Old:
Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle, inspired by one of the world’s most spectacular displays in the night sky, the aurora borealis, which can at times be seen as it illuminates the skies of Islay, celebrates the magnetic power of this iconic Islay distillery.
With its luminously deep amber hue and intense fruity notes, this unique release has been finished in a heavily charred Amoroso-seasoned American Oak hogshead cask. Only a limited number of bottles will be available at Fèis Ìle and each one will be personally hand filled and signed by Distillery Manager, Jordan Paisley.
Whisky expert and author, Charles MacLean describes Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle:
“As good as it gets! This is a hugely satisfying and complex whisky and a superb example of Lagavulin, whose distillery character still shines through its considerable age and unique finishing.”
Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2024 10-Year-Old
Delving into uncharted territories the distillery is also releasing the Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2024 10-Year-Old. Some fans may remember that a 'prototype' of this extra-heavily-peated stock was exclusively previewed for a few lucky during the Lagavulin Malt Mill experience at last year’s festival.
The dedicated team at the distillery utilised malt with higher peating levels than usual and matured its resulting liquid in refill, heavily charred and first fill ex-bourbon American oak hogshead casks to create this powerful expression. Revealing savoury maritime nuances of iodine and dry seaweed with an underlying strong smoke, this complex bottle remains true to the beloved Lagavulin profile cherished by fans.
Jordan Paisley, Lagavulin Distillery Manager said,
“This year we’re releasing two very different expressions, but with a very similar inspiration: the way special moments, like Fèis Ìle or the Northern Lights on Islay, are capable of bringing people together. Just like Lagavulin has been uniting fans all over the world through its unique whisky, it is a very special moment for us.”
Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old.
Introducing a unique twist on the characteristic bonfire peat from Caol Ila, the Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old stands out due to its finish in ex-Ruby Port French Oak casks sourced from the Douro Valley in Portugal.
The flavours are enhanced by a harmonious interplay of dried fruit sweetness and smoky undertones that is slowly overpowered by the saltier smoky notes.
Inspired by the rich history of the island and the waters between Caol Ila and neighbouring Jura, the Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13 Year Old is a bold fusion of maritime notes and chilli spiced Mediterranean flavours.
Eva Cumming, Caol Ila Distillery Manager said,
“I wanted to celebrate this year's Fèis Ìle with a truly exceptional bottling, especially since this marks my inaugural Fèis Ìle as Caol Ila's Distillery Manager. This expression beautifully captures Caol Ila's signature maritime smokiness, complemented by a twist with those sweeter tones. I’m looking forward to raising a glass with all of our fans!”
