Two of the Most Iconic Distilleries Explore New Depth of Flavour with Fèis Ìle 2025

Islay’s famed single malt distilleries, Lagavulin and Caol Ila, are set to elevate Fèis Ìle 2025 with the launch of two exceptional limited-edition releases, each featuring unexpected cask twists that reimagine their signature character.

This year, Lagavulin is inviting fans to discover new depths of flavour with Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 15 Year-Old. Finished in Moscatel de Málaga casks, this expression showcases a masterful balance of sweet and spicy notes while retaining Lagavulin’s distinctive smokiness.

This rich and complex bottling offers aromas of salted toffee, and ripe berries, interwoven with maritime medicinal undertones. The palate is luxuriously smooth and creamy, harmonising flavours of sweetness, salt, spice, and smoke. It culminates in a long, drying finish with that lingering fragrant Lagavulin smoke and a captivating note of Sichuan pepper spice.

Jordan Paisley, Lagavulin Distillery Manager said, “Innovation is at the heart of what we do at Lagavulin and, this year, we wanted to offer something truly special. While researching our archives, we discovered a reference to Moscatel de Málaga hogshead casks, which inspired this release. The result is a beautifully complex whisky that adds layers to our signature smoke. We’re excited to share it with our fans at Fèis Ìle.”

In a bold new move, Caol Ila is introducing an exciting new dimension of flavour with Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 8 Year-Old. This whisky has been matured in a unique combination of refill casks and Pedro Ximénez /Oloroso-seasoned casks, before being finished in new Colombian Oak casks.

The result is a burst of bold yet harmonious flavours. As whisky expert Charles MacLean puts it, “even at reduced strength, the taste is intense!”. This release explores Caol Ila’s waxy character, delivering an intensely smooth, oily texture and a richer, unexpectedly sweet profile emerging from the Colombian Oak cask finish. The whisky’s complex smoke is amplified by layers of spice notes and peppery warmth.

Martin Gaughan, Caol Ila Distillery Manager said, “This release is all about exploration, both for us who enjoy Caol Ila and all the new visitors to Islay during Fèis Ìle. The finish in Colombian Oak casks has brought a fascinating twist, enhancing Caol Ila’s natural richness with unexpected sweet and spicy layers. I can’t wait for all of our fans to experience it first-hand at my first Fèis Ìle as Caol Ila’s Distillery Manager.”

Visitors attending Fèis Ìle will be able to purchase both bottlings at their respective days during the festival on a first come, first served basis:

Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 on the 24^th May and Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 on the 26^th May.

Guests will also get to experience unique tasting sessions, exclusive events and music from various artists at both distilleries.

Lagavulin Day features highlights such as, “Beyond The Smoke”, an immersive sensory experience hosted by Lagavulin’s Distillery Manager, Jordan Paisley, and Private Client Host, Barry Nisbet. This festival exclusive tasting will offer a deeper understanding of the heritage, complexity and craftsmanship behind Lagavulin’s legendary smoke, and includes a rare Lagavulin 17 Year-Old dram.

Caol Ila Day follows with “Flavour & History”, an interactive whisky blending session where guests will have the opportunity to craft their own 200ml custom blend. Hosted by Rory Slater, who worked on this year’s Fèis Ìle bottling for Caol Ila, and Jo McKerchar, Senior Malts Archivist, this session will provide a rare glimpse into the art and science of whisky making at Caol Ila.

Later in the week, on Wednesday 28th May, Caol Ila distillery will also be holding the ‘Manager’s Evening’. Hosted by Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Port Ellen, and The Maltings managers, the evening will feature a Q&A session where guests will have the opportunity to engage directly with the managers and gain insights into their expertise and experiences, as well as taste premium hand-selected malts.