Islay whisky makers Caol Ila explore fruity maritime and smoky notes with their Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old
Each year, Islay’s Fèis Ìle celebration brings some of the world’s biggest Scotch fans and most-beloved spirits brands together for 10 days of whisky bathed fun. Along with the usual shenanigans, many of the west coast island’s distilleries also release limited-edition bottles for the event. Now, Diageo-owned Caol Ila has unveiled its festival bottling, Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old.
A twist on the characteristic bonfire peat the distillery is known for, the the Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old was finished in ex-Ruby Port French Oak casks sourced from the Douro Valley in Portugal. The extra time in those barrels is inspired by the waters between Caol Ila and neighboring Jura.
The whisky offers an infusion of maritime notes and spiced Iberian touches. The flavors are enhanced by a harmonious interplay of dried fruit sweetness and smoky undertones that is slowly overpowered by the flashes of sea salt and ash.
Eva Cumming, Caol Ila Distillery Manager said, “I wanted to celebrate this year’s Fèis Ìle with a truly exceptional bottling, especially since this marks my inaugural Fèis Ìle as Caol Ila’s Distillery Manager. This expression beautifully captures Caol Ila’s signature maritime smokiness, complemented by a twist with those sweeter tones. I’m looking forward to raising a glass with all of our fans!”
Bottled at 54.5% ABV, only 1,404 bottles of Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 13-Year-Old will be made available and are priced at £185 per bottle. They can be purchased from the distillery and a very limited number of Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2024 will be available at malts.com.
Last year, Caol Ila also launched a 13-year-old whisky for Fèis Ìle, but it was matured in Pedro Ximénez and oloroso Sherry-seasoned butts. Lagavulin has also unveiled its Fèis Ìle 2024, a 29-Year-Old and a 10-Year-Old.
