Lagavulin and Caol Ila reveal special bottlings for Fèis Ìle 2026

Islay’s whisky calendar is gearing up for a big celebration as iconic distilleries Lagavulin and Caol Ila unveil three limited-edition expressions for Fèis Ìle 2026.

This year’s festival is especially significant as it marks the 40th anniversary of the famous Islay gathering, which has been bringing whisky fans to the island since 1986.

The 2026 line-up includes two distinctive releases from Lagavulin and an experimental new bottling from Caol Ila, all created to celebrate the island’s whisky heritage, community and culture.

Lagavulin 31-Year-Old Skies of Fèis Ìle

Leading the Lagavulin releases is the 31-year-old “Skies of Fèis Ìle”, one of the oldest and rarest whiskies the distillery has produced for the festival.

This cask-strength bottling follows on from the distillery’s 29-year-old release from Fèis Ìle 2024 and showcases a long finishing period in heavily charred, Oloroso-seasoned American oak, delivering a rich and velvety dram layered with fruit, sweetness and Lagavulin’s signature smoky warmth.

Lagavulin 14-Year-Old Fèis Ìle 2026

Joining it is the Lagavulin 14-year-old Fèis Ìle 2026, a bold and richly flavoured whisky finished for five years in Oloroso-seasoned American oak casks.

Expect classic Lagavulin smoke alongside notes of dried fruit, red berries, caramel and warming spice, making this a deeply characterful festival bottling.

Caol Ila 11-Year-Old Tequila Caol Ila

Over at Caol Ila, the distillery is offering something a little different for 2026. The Caol Ila 11-year-old “Tequila Caol Ila” has been finished in Don Julio tequila casks, a first for the distillery.

The result brings a brighter, more playful twist to Caol Ila’s coastal style, with herbal notes, citrus freshness, a touch of agave and soft smoke coming through on the palate.

Fèis Ìle 2026

These special editions add another highlight to what promises to be a memorable year for Fèis Ìle, giving whisky lovers the chance to explore both rare aged releases and more experimental cask finishes as the island celebrates four decades of this much-loved festival.

Fèis Ìle 2026 runs from 22 May to 31 May 2026, with Lagavulin Day on 23 May and Caol Ila Day on 25 May.