Twice every year fans from all over the world congregate on Scotland's famed Islay - the first is for Feis Ile (which takes place in May) and the second for the Islay Jazz Festival (in September). Both equally alluring events that celebrate the beauty of Islay and given the island being home to some of the greatest whiskymakers, of course whiskies have to be had!

And so for 2025, the 27th Islay Jazz Festival will partner with Caol Ila Distillery for the first time! It's hard to believe that these two iconic entities have yet to do so till this year, really. To mark the occasion, Caol Ila is releasing is very own Islay Jazz Festival commemorative bottling, a Caol Ila 18 Year Old Jazz Festival The Guitarist Edition, which has been uniquely aged for 18 years in American oak casks and then finished in toasted Scottish Oak cask ends.

Together the distillery celebrates Islay's love for music and as such will gather musicians from over Scotland over a 3-day event, with the likes of pianist Fergus McCreadie, the band Unharm and bass player David Bowden, the last of whom will conduct an Islay Experience live acoustic concert right within Caol Ila Distillery's ageing warehouse!

Other activities will include jazz-themed cocktail masterclasses and curated food pairing experiences, whilst distillery manager Martin Gaughan will host an exclusive warehouse tasting spotlighting handpicked Caol Ila drams just for the occasion, capped off with a taste of the Caol Ila 2025 Jazz Edition.

The Caol Ila 2025 Jazz Edition is said to reflect Caol Ila's coastal character, with a gentle but lingering fade of smouldering ember. It will be launched at Caol Ila Distillery from 1st September, and will also be made available at The Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street at £250 and bottled at 52.8% ABV.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team