The Islay-based Caol Ila Distillery, has announced details of its 2026 Islay Jazz Festival limited-edition release, the second in a trilogy of bottles marking the partnership between the distillery and the festival.

Caol Ila Jazz Festival – The Drummer (52% ABV) is a 19 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, matured in a combination of American oak and ex-Bulleit Bourbon casks.

The latest release, which follows last year’s The Guitarist, is described as an unusually sweet and spicy expression of the coastal whisky, with smooth, rich flavours and undertones of the signature smoke for which Caol Ila is famed.

Caol Ila is also hosting a number of exclusive experiences for whisky fans during this year’s Islay Jazz Festival, which takes place from September 11th-13th. Whisky lovers will have the chance to taste five distillery-exclusive drams in a guided tasting held in the distillery’s Maturation Warehouse as part of the Spirit of Smoke: Cask Draw & Tasting Experience. Guests will enjoy cask strength expressions straight from the cask in what promises to be a unique and rare experience.

Throughout the weekend, the distillery will bring together a talented cast of musicians from across Scotland for a concert-style event at the distillery and a series of solo performances, alongside a host of special whisky tastings.

The full programme of music will continue the festival’s tradition of presenting diverse jazz styles in intimate and scenic locations across the island. The programme will kick off at Caol Ila with performances from acclaimed saxophonist and composer Laura Macdonald and award-winning guitarist Graeme Stephen, who will premiere his latest work, ORWELL. Inspired by George Orwell’s iconic novel 1984, the piece was written during his time on the neighbouring island of Jura.

Commenting on the news, Emma Watson, Caol Ila’s Brand Home Manager, said: “The line-up at this year’s Jazz Festival is incredible, and we’re excited to once again be a part of this celebration of music, whisky and island culture. Jazz embodies experimentation, boldness and the perfect blending of styles to make something beautiful – quite like our new festival release, The Drummer. The team have created a stunning 19-year-old which brings the best of American oak and bourbon casks to evoke flavours you wouldn’t normally associate with our coastal whisky, yet somehow only deepens the complexity of the light smoke which drifts through the arrangement.”

Caol Ila Jazz Festival – The Drummer, is now available directly from the distillery, for a RRP of £275.00.