Laphroaig & Bowmore Unveil Fèis Ìle 2026 Limited Editions

Islay Legends Unite: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Fèis Ìle

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fèis Ìle, the annual festival of music and malt on Islay, Suntory Global Spirits legends Laphroaig and Bowmore have announced highly anticipated limited-edition whiskies for 2026. Since its inception in 1986, Fèis Ìle has drawn thousands of enthusiasts to the island. This milestone marks the festival's evolution and showcases the distilleries' commitment to traditional craftsmanship and innovative flavor profiles through these distinct releases.

Laphroaig Càirdeas French Oak: French Elegance Meets Peated Smoke

Laphroaig presents the eighteenth release in the Càirdeas Series: Laphroaig Càirdeas French Oak. Meaning "friendship" in Gaelic, the series is a tribute to the global Friends of Laphroaig community. This expression is unique as it is the distillery's first-ever release matured entirely in French oak. According to Master Blender Dr. Calum Fraser, the French oak imparts balanced depth and complexity, blending sweet fruitiness with signature smoke, revealing notes of honeyed melon, sour cherry, and pomegranate.

Bowmore 9-Year-Old PX Sherry Cask: Rare Floor-Malted Craftsmanship

The second highlight comes from Islay’s oldest distillery, Bowmore. This Bowmore 9-Year-Old is produced using 100% floor-malted barley, preserving the traditional methods used since 1779. Matured exclusively in first-fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, only 641 bottles were produced. The official tasting notes describe a rich, warm spice profile with aromas of treacle toffee and espresso, leading to a palate of dried fruits, cinnamon, and sweet BBQ woodsmoke.

📅 Release Date: 2026-05-20

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/laphroaig-bowmore-unveil-feis-ile-2026-whiskies/