Iconic Islay distilleries Lagavulin and Caol Ila have revealed a trio of limited-edition single malt expressions to mark the 40th anniversary of the Fèis Ìle whisky festival. The lineup includes a rare Lagavulin 31-year-old, a Lagavulin 14-year-old finished in Oloroso-seasoned casks, and a Caol Ila 11-year-old finished for the first time in former Don Julio tequila casks.
Fèis Ìle, which launched in 1986, returns to the Scottish island this year and draws whisky lovers from around the world to celebrate Islay’s distilling heritage and community.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The Lagavulin 31-Year-Old, titled “Skies of Fèis Ìle,” is one of the oldest and rarest whiskies the distillery has released for the festival. It continues a series that began with a 29-year-old expression at Fèis Ìle 2024.
Drawn from a sibling finishing cask, the spirit spent over a decade finishing in heavily charred, Oloroso-seasoned American oak hogsheads. The distillery describes the result as a velvety-smooth dram where intense fruit and faint sweetness meet smouldering warmth.
The Lagavulin 14-Year-Old also received a long five-year finish in Oloroso-seasoned American oak casks. Official tasting notes from the brand describe added richness of red berries, dried fruits, caramel, and warm spice layered over the distillery’s signature smoky profile.
Together, the two Lagavulin releases are described by the distillery team as a rare “Blue Moon” moment, a fleeting alignment of character and complexity shaped by the same Oloroso influence.
Must Read Stories
Lagavulin distillery manager Jordan Paisley said: “We are incredibly proud to present not one, but two exceptional Lagavulin expressions to mark the 40th anniversary of Fèis Ìle. These festival releases reflect both the passage of time and the journey of our whiskies, celebrating our craft and culture with bottlings to be cherished and enjoyed.”
Paisley added: “As a long-time admirer of Lagavulin and now a custodian of this iconic distillery, I feel a sense of deep personal gratitude in hand-filling the ‘Skies of Fèis Ìle’ expression for our guests. I look forward to sharing a dram with them and welcoming them all into the Lagavulin family for this special occasion.”
The Caol Ila 11-Year-Old, playfully known as “Tequila Caol Ila,” was matured in American oak former Don Julio tequila casks. Official notes from the brand cite lively citrus, sweetness, and spice alongside herbal notes, green fruit, a hint of agave, and the distillery’s signature coastal smoke.
Both Lagavulin and Caol Ila are part of Diageo’s portfolio of Scotch whisky brands. Islay has long been considered one of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky-producing regions.
