Caol Ila Distillery teams up with Islay celebrated jazz festival for the first time, launching an exclusive 18-year-old single malt to commemorate the partnership.
The “Sound of Islay” distillery will host performances by acclaimed Scottish musicians, including pianist Fergus McCreadie and neo-soul vocalist Gaïa, during the three-day September event. The festival marks its 27th year with this new collaboration, bringing together music and whisky enthusiasts at one of Scotland’s most atmospheric coastal venues.
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Takes Center Stage
The partnership debuts with the release of Caol Ila 18 Year Old Jazz Festival Edition, The Guitarist. Limited to just 948 bottles, the expression underwent a rare finishing process using toasted Scottish oak cask ends after 18 years of maturation in American oak.
According to official tasting notes, the whisky “layers sweet confectionery notes with bold peppery smokiness,” interplaying with flavors of toffee apple and cinnamon. The distillery’s signature coastal character delivers a hint of salt balanced with smooth, gentle smoke.
Eleanor Gillies, Caol Ila’s Brand Home Manager, said: “We always love the energy and excitement that the Jazz Festival brings to the island, and we’re honoured to be its partner in 2025. We look forward to hosting performances with the incredible musicians here at the distillery, and to welcoming guests who enjoy the magic of music and whisky coming together.
“This year’s very special Festival Edition captures that spirit perfectly. At 18 years old, the expression reflects the essence of Caol Ila’s coastal character, with a gentle, but lingering fade of smouldering ember.”
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The limited-edition bottling retails at £250 (~$340) and is bottled at 52.8% ABV. It launched at the distillery on September 1st and is also available at The Johnnie Walker Experience on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.
Exclusive Caol Ila Jazz Festival Edition Experiences
Caol Ila has created several festival-exclusive experiences for visitors. These include a jazz-themed cocktail masterclass, a Smoke & Salt food pairing experience featuring curated canapés, and an exclusive warehouse tasting led by Distillery Manager Martin Gaughan.
A highlight of the musical program features bassist David Bowden’s “Islay Experience,” a live acoustic concert performed in the distillery’s maturation warehouse alongside aging whisky casks. The unusual venue choice reflects the festival’s tradition of hosting performances in unexpected locations across the island, from village halls to churches.
The 2025 lineup includes guitarist James Mackay’s new group Unharm, described as “bold and visceral,” alongside award-winning performers from across Scotland. The festival runs for three days in September, though specific dates were not announced.
Caol Ila, which means “Sound of Islay” in Gaelic, sits on the shores of the strait separating Islay from neighboring Jura. The distillery reopened in August 2022 following Diageo’s £185 million investment in scotch whisky tourism. Founded in 1846, it has become known for its heavily peated expressions that capture the island’s maritime character.
The partnership represents a natural alignment between two of Islay’s cultural attractions, both drawing visitors to experience the island’s unique atmosphere and heritage.
