Fèis Ìle 40th: Lagavulin 31Y & First Caol Ila Tequila Cask

Islay Festival Milestone: Two Legendary Distilleries Unveil 40th Anniversary Rare Releases

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Scotland’s world-renowned Islay whisky festival, Fèis Ìle, iconic distilleries Lagavulin and Caol Ila have announced three highly collectible limited-edition Single Malts. Since its founding in 1986, Fèis Ìle has drawn countless whisky enthusiasts to the island each year to witness Islay’s deep distilling heritage and community spirit. For this landmark 40th anniversary, the distilleries have selected rare stocks and innovative finishing techniques to honor this long-standing cultural celebration.

Lagavulin Rare Age Statement: Skies of Fèis Ìle Debuts

In this release, Lagavulin presents two remarkable expressions. The highlight is the Lagavulin 31-Year-Old, titled "Skies of Fèis Ìle," one of the oldest and rarest whiskies ever released by the distillery for the festival. This expression was finished for over a decade in heavily charred Oloroso Sherry American Oak casks, resulting in a silky texture and rich fruitiness. Additionally, the Lagavulin 14-Year-Old features a five-year finish in Oloroso casks, blending the distillery's signature peat smoke with notes of red berries, caramel, and spice. The distillery team describes these releases as a rare "Blue Moon" moment.

Caol Ila Innovation: First-Ever Tequila Cask Finish

Another major highlight is the Caol Ila 11-Year-Old, playfully nicknamed "Tequila Caol Ila," marking the distillery's first experiment with Don Julio Tequila casks. After initial aging in American oak, this innovative Single Malt offers vibrant citrus, sweet spice, and herbal notes, layered with the distinct botanical character of tequila that complements Caol Ila's classic maritime peat. This release showcases the distillery's bold approach to flavor experimentation, offering a refreshing sensory experience for festival-goers.

Lagavulin Distillery Manager Jordan Paisley expressed his pride in releasing two exceptional Single Malts to mark the 40th anniversary of Fèis Ìle. He emphasized that these festival exclusives reflect the passage of time and the evolution of craftsmanship, making them treasures to be shared. As a guardian of the distillery, Jordan Paisley mentioned he would personally hand-fill bottles of "Skies of Fèis Ìle" for guests, welcoming fans from around the world to the Lagavulin family. As core brands under Diageo, these releases further solidify Islay’s status as a global whisky powerhouse.

📅 Release Date: 2026-04-23

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/lagavulin-caol-ila-unveil-rare-feis-ile-2026-releases/