To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), held from May 22 to May 30, 2026, legendary distilleries Lagavulin and Caol Ila have introduced a trio of special bottlings. These releases showcase a masterclass in craftsmanship, blending decades of maturation heritage with bold, modern innovation.

The centerpiece of this year’s collection is the Lagavulin 31 Years Old Skies Of Fèis Ìle 2026, standing as one of the distillery’s oldest and most prestigious single malts. It is accompanied by two unique expressions—the Lagavulin 14 Years Old and Caol Ila 11 Years Old—each featuring distinctive maturation approaches.

Distillery Highlights and Maturation Profiles

1. Lagavulin Distillery: Heritage and Prestige

Lagavulin marks its Open Day on May 23, 2026, with expressions that emphasize its legacy of slow, careful maturation and rare cask selections:

• Lagavulin 31 Years Old “Skies Of Fèis Ìle 2026”
• • Description: A hand-filled, cask-strength bottling matured for 31 years, representing the pinnacle of the distillery’s aged stock.
  • Launch Price (MSRP): $4,500
• Lagavulin 14 Years Old Fèis Ìle 2026
  • Description: This expression spent five years maturing in Oloroso-seasoned American oak casks, adding profound depth and complex layers of sweetness.
  • Launch Price (MSRP): $220

2. Caol Ila Distillery: The Innovation Frontier

Celebrating its Open Day on May 25, 2026, Caol Ila pushes the boundaries of traditional Islay scotch with a daring cask experiment:

• Caol Ila 11 Years Old Fèis Ìle 2026
  • Description: Matured in former Don Julio Tequila casks, this release introduces vibrant herbal and citrus accents that balance the distillery’s signature coastal smoke.
  • Launch Price (MSRP): $165