Caol Ila Whisky Partners with Islay Jazz Festival for Limited Edition Release
Caol Ila Distillery has joined forces with the renowned Islay Jazz Festival for the first time, launching a unique 18-year-old single malt whisky to mark the partnership. The 'Sound of Islay' distillery will feature performances by acclaimed Scottish musicians, including pianist Fergus McCreadie and neo-soul singer Gaïa, throughout the three-day September festival. This marks the festival's 27th year, and this new collaboration brings together music and whisky enthusiasts at one of Scotland's most atmospheric coastal locations.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the Caol Ila 18 Year Old Jazz Festival Edition, The Guitarist. This limited edition whisky, with only 948 bottles produced, has undergone 18 years of maturation in American oak casks followed by a rare secondary maturation in toasted Scottish oak. According to official tasting notes, the whisky offers sweet candy flavors, a rich peppery smoke, interwoven with notes of toffee apple and cinnamon. The distillery's signature coastal character lends a subtle touch of salinity, balancing the smooth, gentle smokiness.
Caol Ila's Brand Home Manager Eleanor Gillies stated, 'We have always loved the energy and excitement the Jazz Festival brings to the island and are thrilled to be partners for 2025. We look forward to performing alongside talented musicians at the distillery and welcoming guests who enjoy the magic of music and whisky combined.' She added, 'This special Festival Edition perfectly captures that spirit. This 18-year-old bottling reflects the essence of Caol Ila's coastal character with a gentle yet lingering ember.'
Caol Ila has also curated several festival-exclusive experiences for visitors. These include a jazz-themed cocktail-making class, a tasting experience pairing smoky and salty flavors, and a cellar tour and tasting led by Distillery Manager Martin Gaughan. A highlight of the music program is bassist David Bowden's 'Islay Experience,' an unplugged concert held within the distillery's maturation cellars amidst aging whisky casks. This unique venue choice echoes the festival's tradition of hosting performances in unexpected locations across the island, from village halls to churches.
The 2025 festival lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, including the new band Unharm by guitarist James Mackay, described as 'bold and explosive,' alongside award-winning performers from across Scotland. The festival will take place over three days in September, with specific dates yet to be announced.
Caol Ila, meaning 'Sound of Islay' in Gaelic, is situated on the sound separating Islay from the neighboring island of Jura. The distillery, which reopened in August 2022 following Diageo's £185 million investment in Scottish whisky tourism, was founded in 1846. It is renowned for its intensely peaty whiskies that capture the island's maritime character. This collaboration represents a natural synergy between two of Islay's key cultural attractions, drawing visitors to experience the island's unique atmosphere and heritage.
2025-09-01
Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/caol-ila-launches-first-jazz-festival-edition-whisky/