Diageo has announced the launch of its 2025 Lagavulin and Caol Ila Fèis Ìle (Islay Festival of Music and Malt) limited-editions.

The two distilleries are set to elevate this year’s festival with the release of two exclusive expressions, each featuring unexpected cask twists that reimagine their signature character.

Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 15 Year Old (55.7% ABV) – a single malt Scotch whisky finished in Moscatel de Málaga casks – is said to showcase a masterful balance of sweet and spicy notes, while retaining Lagavulin’s distinctive smokiness.

Described as rich and complex, this release offers aromas of salted toffee and ripe berries, interwoven with maritime medicinal undertones. The palate is smooth and creamy, harmonising flavours of sweetness, salt, spice, and smoke. It culminates in a long, drying finish with Lagavulin’s signature fragrant smoke and a captivating note of Sichuan pepper spice.

Commenting on the Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 15 Year Old, Jordan Paisley, Lagavulin Distillery Manager, said: “Innovation is at the heart of what we do at Lagavulin and, this year, we wanted to offer something truly special. While researching our archives, we discovered a reference to Moscatel de Málaga hogshead casks, which inspired this release. The result is a beautifully complex whisky that adds layers to our signature smoke. We’re excited to share it with our fans at Fèis Ìle.”

Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 8 Year Old (55.8% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky matured in a combination of refill casks and Pedro Ximénez/Oloroso-seasoned casks, then finished in new Colombian oak casks.

This release explores Caol Ila’s waxy character, delivering an intensely smooth, oily texture with a richer, unexpectedly sweet profile, thanks to the Colombian Oak cask finish. The whisky’s complex smoke is amplified by layers of spice and peppery warmth.

Commenting on the Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 8 Year Old, Martin Gaughan, Caol Ila Distillery Manager said: “This release is all about exploration, both for us who enjoy Caol Ila and all the new visitors to Islay during Fèis Ìle. The finish in Colombian Oak casks has brought a fascinating twist, enhancing Caol Ila’s natural richness with unexpected sweet and spicy layers. I can’t wait for all of our fans to experience it first-hand at my first Fèis Ìle as Caol Ila’s Distillery Manager.”

Visitors attending Fèis Ìle will be able to purchase both bottlings on their respective days during the festival on a first come, first served basis: Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 on the 24th May and Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 on the 26th May.

Guests will also get to experience unique tasting sessions, exclusive events and music from various artists at both distilleries.

Lagavulin Day (May 24th) will feature highlights such as, “Beyond The Smoke”, an immersive sensory experience hosted by Lagavulin’s Distillery Manager, Jordan Paisley, and Private Client Host, Barry Nisbet.

Caol Ila Day (May 26th) will include “Flavour & History”, an interactive whisky blending session where guests will have the opportunity to craft their own 200ml custom blend.

Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 15 Year Old (Limited to 1,596 Bottles) and Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 8 Year Old (Limited to 1,476 bottles) will be available from each distillery and malts.com for the respective RRP’s of: £240 and £110.