Fèis Ìle, also known as the Islay Festival, is underway from 23 to 31 May 2025. This annual event is a major highlight for lovers of peat and smoky whiskies. During the festival, Islay’s distilleries open their doors to the public. Visitors enjoy special events and get to taste unique, limited-edition whiskies crafted specifically to celebrate the week.
This year, Bowmore, Laphroaig, and Jura have joined six other distilleries in launching exclusive bottlings. Other participants include Mac-Talla, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, and Diageo’s Lagavulin and Caol Ila brands.
Bowmore’s Handcrafted 8-Year-Old Floor Malt Single Cask
Bowmore’s Fèis Ìle release is a single malt whisky made entirely from 100% floor malt. It was aged for eight years and bottled from one hand-selected cask. The whisky was hand-bottled in Bowmore’s historic No. 1 cellar.
This 57% ABV whisky offers aromas of blackcurrant, liquorice root, leather, and peat smoke. Its taste is described as “sweet and unctuous” with floral hints of burnt orange peel and black cherry.
Distillery manager David Turner said:
“Fèis Ìle 2025 perfectly captures Bowmore’s signature balance, complexity, and regional character. Made from 100% floor malt, hand-fermented in the malting barn, this release celebrates an ancient craft vital to Bowmore’s rich flavors.”
Bowmore’s open day will take place on 28 May, featuring live music by Corra, local food, masterclasses, and behind-the-scenes tours including visits to the floor malting room and Cellar No. 1. The whisky is priced at £120 ($162) and will be available exclusively from the Bowmore Distillery.
Laphroaig’s Càirdeas Lore Cask Strength: A Full-Flavored Tribute
Laphroaig marks Fèis Ìle with its latest Càirdeas expression called Lore Cask Strength. The name “Càirdeas” means “friendship” in Gaelic. This whisky is a blend of five single malts matured in a variety of casks: oloroso sherry, European oak, ex-bourbon, and quarter casks.
With a natural cask strength of 59.6%, the whisky is the distillery’s most full-flavored expression to date. It has a rustic golden color and offers aromas of peach, apricot, and vanilla fudge. The palate delivers a powerful “explosion” of peat and salty sea spray.
Caroline Ogden, Visitor Centre Manager, said:
“Islay Carnival is one of Laphroaig’s favourite days of the year. This year’s Càirdeas brings our favourite cask strength whisky to our friends. It’s a layered and powerful whisky combining rich flavour, rich peat, and a deep sense of place.”
Laphroaig’s open day on 27 May will feature traditional music, dancing, peat bonfires, masterclasses, tastings, and special releases. The Lore Cask Strength is available at the distillery shop for £89 ($120).
Jura’s Exclusive 17-Year-Old Oloroso Single Cask Release
On the neighbouring island of Jura, the distillery is celebrating Fèis Ìle with a limited single cask release. Jura Fèis Ìle 2025 is a 17-year-old whisky matured in oloroso sherry casks. This special bottling is limited to 300 bottles and sold exclusively to festival visitors.
Joe Ricketts, Jura’s whisky master, explained:
“For this year’s Fèis Ìle release, we revisited an outstanding vintage from 2007. This rich, full-bodied oloroso cask-finished whisky (#1892) builds on the complexity of our 2022 release, with aromas of crystallized citrus, plum, and hazelnut, alongside notes of polished leather and dark chocolate.”
Jura’s open house is scheduled for 30 May and will include a winery tour, wine tastings, live music, cocktails, and a boat trip exploring the nearby coastline. The whisky is priced at £135 (about $182) and available only until 31 May.
Fèis Ìle 2025 once again showcases the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Islay and Jura distilleries, offering whisky lovers rare opportunities to enjoy exclusive, limited-edition spirits and immerse themselves in the unique culture of these Scottish islands.
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