The stunning island of Islay, located at the southernmost point of the Inner Hebrides, is home to nine working distilleries. Every May, as part of Fèis Ìle: Islay Festival of Music and Malt, the island is abuzz with live entertainment as each distillery throws open its doors to indulge visitors with a spectacular programme of ceilidhs, folk nights, whisky tastings and Highland flings.

This year, two of Islay’s best-loved single malt distilleries, Caol Ila (pronounced ‘Cull Eela’) and Lagavulin (‘Lah-gah-VOO-lin’) will again join in this hearty celebration of the island’s culture, music and whisky with a series of events taking place over the bank holiday weekend from Saturday 25–Monday 27 May. Guests can indulge in delectable drams, take part in unforgettable rare experiences, and get a hold of exclusive limited-edition releases, all complemented by exquisite cuisine from local vendors, and live music performed by talented local artists. Tickets are available at the Malts Club website.

Caol Ila

Situated on the north-eastern shores of Islay, with spectacular views of the Paps of Jura, the festival programme at Caol Ila celebrates the translation of its Gaelic name, the Sound of Islay, with a maritime-inspired programme paying homage to the distillery’s stunning location.

How Do You See The Sea

Enjoy some carefully-curated Caol Ila drams during a creative session with our neighbour from Persabus Pottery, Rosemary Fletcher, artist of Caol Ila’s striding man statue. Discover, explore and connect with the colours, patterns and textures of Islay’s wild and beautiful seascapes. Be inspired by the incredible views of the Sound of Islay and experiment with your own unique creative process and style throughout a series of art processes and mindful exercises using charcoal and pastels accompanied by drams.

Booth with a view

Take in the incredible views of the Paps of Jura during Fèis Ìle while you enjoy three drams and a cocktail in the stunning bar area. This is a relaxed experience with the chance to enjoy the views, drinks and chat with fellow Fèis fans.

Passengers of the Pibroch

Enjoy a boat trip and retrieve surprises from the creels submerged in the hidden depths of the Sound of Islay. Sample the new Fèis 2024 bottling as well as an introduction to the links between Caol la and Johnnie Walker. If you’re lucky, you might see some local sealife!

Coopers and Casks

Watch as Caol Ila's talented coopers demonstrate the construction of Caol Ila casks in the cooperage, while one of their fantastic guides treats visitors to a tutored tasting exploring three Caol Ila expressions blindly, reiterating how the cask type influences flavour.

Scotch Sounds Radio Show – All Vinyl Special

Join global Scotch ambassador Ervin Trykowski and whisky ambassador Kirsty Thomson in a celebration of music and whisky at this Scotch Sounds Vinyl Special. Enjoy some specially selected tracks while they lead you through a selection of Caol Ila and Johnnie Walker drams including a taste of this year’s Fèis Ìle bottling.

Lagavulin

Lagavulin is one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and is world-renowned for its smoky, peaty whiskies. On Saturday 25 May, Lagavulin will open its doors hosting an indulgent mix of music and whisky tastings dedicated to the unmistakable smoky character that inspires tens of thousands of guests to visit the distillery each year.

Scotch Sounds Radio

Step into the Malt Mill at Lagavulin distillery during Fèis Ìle for an extra special edition where classic vinyl records will be played in their entirety, and pairing them with iconic smoky whiskies, hosted by one of the best in the business, global Scotch ambassador Ervin Trykowski.

Lagavulin The Lionheart – Feis Ile with Diageo Rare & Exceptional

Led by global luxury brand ambassador, Ewan Gunn, sample a selection of the most unique expressions of Lagavulin, some of which have not been released to the general public. From exquisite cask samples to hand-selected bottlings from the exclusive Prima & Ultima collection, this promises to be a tasting experience not to be missed.

Sail Away

Enjoy a 20-minute cruise on a water taxi to Port Ellen straight from Lagavulin Pier.

Smoky Luxury On The Waves

Sail away from Lagavulin Pier and indulge in a boat full of smoky luxury. Climb aboard and join Diageo whisky specialists, Peter Milne and Joanne McKercher, for special drams, delicious seafood pairings and untold stories of Lagavulin, as you enjoy the scenic views from Lagavulin Bay.

The Manager's Big Challenge

Guests to this interactive and fun-packed experience will join distillery manager, Jordan Paisley, and Fèis favourite Colin Dunn in 'smoky' Warehouse 3, as they take on fellow fans in blind taste-tests, liquid quizzes and production-themed games.

Fèis Ìle: Islay Festival of Music and Malt events take place at Caol Ila and Lagavulin between Saturday 25–Monday 27 May. Tickets are available at the Malts Club website.

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