Three distinctive smoky Islay whiskies unveiled for Fèis Ìle 2026

For the 40th edition of the iconic whisky festival Fèis Ìle, Lagavulin and Caol Ila are going all out with special limited editions. While Lagavulin leans into depth and maturation, Caol Ila opts for experimentation. These are the three bottles from the distilleries making their debut during the special 40th Fèis Ìle.

Every year, the island of Islay becomes the epicenter of the whisky world during Fèis Ìle. The island’s distilleries throw open their doors and host their own events, from exclusive tastings and tours to live music and local celebrations.

A major draw are the special festival bottlings: unique, often limited releases available only during Fèis Ìle. Three standout editions have now been revealed. You’ll find them listed below.

The undisputed showstopper is this 31-year-old Lagavulin. One of the oldest festival releases ever, and with a price around £2,800, clearly aimed at the serious collector.

On the nose it opens deep and layered, with smoky notes reminiscent of ash and charred wood. Behind that come complex tiers of dark fruit and subtle sweetness.

The palate is full and oily, balancing fruity sweetness, coastal salinity, and savory tones like dark chocolate and leather. The finish is exceptionally long, dry, and elegant, with sweet smoke and a gentle spice that lingers.

This rare release is available from May 23 at the Lagavulin distillery and costs £2,800.

The 14-year-old festival bottling from Lagavulin shows just how versatile smoke can be. This expression received a five-year finish in Oloroso-seasoned American oak casks, delivering a richer, fuller take on the classic distillery character.

On the nose, the single malt opens with warm smoke and smoldering wood, followed by fresh apple and stewed red berries. Sweet accents of caramel, toffee, and cinnamon bring balance.

On the palate things get truly interesting. The smoke stays present, joined by toffee apple, raisins, and dried fruit. Spicy layers of cinnamon and ginger build gradually, while medicinal peat and a light pepper kick add extra depth.

The finish is long, warming, and lightly spiced, with a subtle sweetness that slowly fades.

It’s bottled at 56.5% ABV and will be available at an RRP of £240.

Where Lagavulin leans on tradition, Caol Ila goes for innovation. This 11-year-old whisky has been finished in ex-Don Julio tequila casks—a first for the distillery, and you can taste it right away.

The nose opens surprisingly fresh with lime, orange marmalade, and a hint of tropical fruit. Beneath that lie sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, layered with spicy, gently green aromas like hay and green tea. The signature coastal smoke remains subtly present.

On the palate it starts soft and sweet, with clear influences of agave and citrus. Then come green apple, peppery spice, and nutmeg. The smoke develops gradually, staying elegantly in the background, while a touch of salinity brings everything together.

The finish is fresh and spicy, with orange peel, oak, and gentle smoke that slowly fades.

Caol Ila’s 2026 release is bottled at 56.1% ABV and carries an RRP of £145.

All three whiskies will be released in limited quantities around the festival, from May 23 at the Lagavulin distillery and from May 25 at the Caol Ila distillery. The exact number of bottles has not yet been disclosed.