Laphroaig and Bowmore, two of Islay’s most storied single malt distilleries, will release new limited-edition expressions to mark the 40th anniversary of the Fèis Ìle whisky festival. The releases include Laphroaig Càirdeas French Oak and a Bowmore 9-Year-Old single cask exclusive, both arriving this May.
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READ THE STORYLaphroaig Càirdeas French Oak is the eighteenth installment in the distillery’s annual Càirdeas series. It is the first Laphroaig expression to be 100% matured in French oak casks.
The Càirdeas series — meaning “friendship” in Gaelic — has built a cult following among the global Friends of Laphroaig community. Each year it explores a different cask influence to offer new perspectives on the distillery’s signature peated spirit.
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Dr. Calum Fraser, master blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “It has been fascinating to see the influence of French oak on Laphroaig’s spirit. The casks create a smooth, balanced whisky with notable depth and complexity.”
“Alongside the signature smoke and surprising sweetness, the fruit character stands out, with notes reminiscent of honeydew melon, tart cherries, and pomegranate,” Fraser added.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe the nose as “smoky, sweet, and savoury,” with freshly cut wood shavings, earthy peat smoke, polished leather, and stone fruits. The palate delivers “campfire smoke, vanilla and black liquorice,” alongside brittle dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and grated star anise.
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The finish is described as “smoke and sea salt notes with a long saline, savoury (smoked ham) finish.”
Laphroaig Càirdeas French Oak is bottled at 52.6% ABV and priced at £89. It will be available at the distillery and online via Laphroaig.com from Saturday, May 23.
Bowmore’s Fèis Ìle 2026 release is a 9-year-old single cask bottling. The whisky is 100% floor malted and matured in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry cask.
Bowmore, established in 1779, is Islay’s oldest licensed distillery. Its commitment to hand-turning malted barley on traditional malting floors remains central to the distillery’s production process.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe the nose as “rich, spicy and warming,” with dried currants, treacle toffee, espresso, and smouldering peat smoke. The palate offers “toasted almonds, raisins, sticky dates, and candied orange segments,” alongside sweet BBQ woodsmoke.
The finish is “long and lingering woodsmoke, with dried fruits and warming cinnamon.”
Only 641 bottles of the Bowmore 9-Year-Old will be produced. Each is bottled at 55.4% ABV and priced at £130, available exclusively at the Bowmore distillery.
Fèis Ìle, Islay’s annual festival of music and malt whisky, was founded in 1986. It draws thousands of whisky enthusiasts to the island each year. The 2026 edition marks a milestone 40th anniversary for the event.
Both Laphroaig and Bowmore sit within the Suntory Global Spirits portfolio. Details of each distillery’s Fèis Ìle tastings and events are available on their respective websites.
