13-Year Old Lagavulin

Two limited edition single-cask bottlings of Lagavulin and Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch Whiskies will be released for the 2011 Islay Festival.

Like previous Festival bottlings, it’s anticipated that they will be much in demand from enthusiasts. Often selling out within hours of going on sale, they will be available to personal shoppers at the distilleries only.

13-Year Old Lagavulin

The Lagavulin Festival bottling comes from a Refill Butt filled in February 1998, selected from Warehouse Number 1 by Iain McArthur, long-time warehouseman at the distillery. It has been bottled in an edition of 588 bottles at its natural cask strength of 51% ABV.

Lagavulin Feis Bottling 2011

One of Diageo’s tasters commented on its “approachable fruit tones and late, cleansing anise-like notes, against a backdrop of appetising smoke”.

Caol Ila Feis Bottling 2011

Bodega-cask Caol Ila

The Caol Ila single cask bottling – hand selected by Billy Stitchell, long-standing distillery manager, whose family connections with Caol Ila distillery go back many generations – has been drawn from a bodega cask filled in February 2000. It enjoys a high natural cask strength of 64.3% ABV, in an edition of 600 bottles.

Caol Ila Feis Bottling 2011

“A lean and precise whisky at cask strength … altogether longer and more structured with water. Complex and provocative throughout …” were some of our taster’s comments.

The Lagavulin single-cask bottling will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the distillery, starting on the distillery’s open day, Saturday 21 May. The Caol Ila bottling will be sold with effect from Monday 23 May which is the Caol Ila open day.

Both bottlings are priced at £79.95 per bottle.

Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Scotch Knowledge and Heritage Director, said: “Whisky lovers travel from all over the world to visit the Islay Festival.

“These two carefully chosen single cask bottlings are both outstanding examples of Islay whiskies, conveying something of the island’s magic for those lucky enough enjoy them on their return home.”

During the Festival, a series of special events will be held at both Lagavulin and Caol Ila distilleries, including tastings with the distillery manager and warehouse demonstrations. There will be also be tours of the Port Ellen Maltings.

The Islay Festival Of Music And Malt
Friday 20th. May to Sunday 29th. May 2011

Various locations on the island of Islay.

A fantastic opportunity to indulge your senses and taste buds on the beautiful isle of Islay. With whisky events at the following distilleries there is certainly plenty to do!
Saturday 21st May – Lagavulin.
Sunday 22nd May – Bruichladdich, Port Ellen Maltings.
Monday 23rd May – Caol Ila.
Tuesday 24th May – Laphroaig.
Wednesday 25th May – Bowmore.
Thursday 26th May – Isle of Jura, Kilchoman.
Friday 27th May – Bunnahabhain.
Saturday 28th May – Ardbeg.

For more information: The Islay Festival Of Music And Malt

If you can’t get to the festival, Lagavulin can be bought from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt

Caol Ila can be bought from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt