Ahead of my trip to Fèis Ìle 2026, I opened two standout festival releases to get a taste of what Islay does best. This Caol Ila 8 Fèis Ìle 2025 review vs Lagavulin 15 Fèis Ìle 2025 review explores two very different interpretations of coastal peat, smoke, sweetness, and oak — offering a sneak preview of festival whisky at its most expressive.
Lagavulin Sweet Peat marks one of the most intriguing Islay releases in years. A new 11-year-old core expression from the legendary distillery, it promises to balance signature Lagavulin smoke with a sweeter, bourbon-cask influence. As anticipation builds, this could be the whisky that reshapes how drinkers experience peat — and I can’t wait to try it when it finally hits the shelves.
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and for many a whisky lover the Holiday season is kicked of with the Diageo Special Releases. Or at least that’s how it used to be… nowadays the releases get
Lagavulin 16 is one of Islay’s most iconic whiskies — smoky, sweet, and unmistakably classic. A thoughtful revisit with full tasting notes and an honest verdict.
