Fèis Ìle

Visitors were handed a lanyard with a clip which they could trade in for a dram of our new Càirdeas 2025: Lore Cask Strength, and soon enough, people were enjoying their first taste of this rare new release, a twist on our classic Laphroaig Lore. This was a proud moment for us, seeing our Friends faces light up as they took their first taste of this latest labour of distilling love. 

After all, we make Càirdeas especially for our Friends, and this was exactly the kind of gathering we have in mind. It was so rewarding to hear people’s thoughts as they enjoyed the journey of flavours contained within each sip of this powerful single malt.

Friends of Laphroaig were also able to collect another memento: a bespoke biodegradable flag complete with their membership number on it. It wasn’t only the flag that captured the imagination but also the land it could be planted in their own dedicated plot of our land which they had received through our membership programme.

Making their way into the distillery proper, visitors were then treated to a range of entertainment and games we’d laid on – from archery to a ‘Guess the Laphroaig’ tasting challenge – or they could simply enjoy the most important element of the festival, a chance to relax with friends and meet like-minded whisky-lovers.

Masterclasses and tastings were some of our favourite moments of the festival. Our Blending team led tasting sessions right near the water in our distillery - talking visitors through a range of our different whiskies and what makes them so special. 

Meanwhile, our Distillery Manager George Campbell led a masterclass, and gave his own thoughts on Càirdeas 2025: Lore Cask Strength in a video that was streamed online for Friends of Laphroaig who couldn’t make the festival itself. For those who missed the live stream, you can watch a recording of the masterclass here.

As anyone who’s been to Fèis Ìle can tell you, music is key. This year was no exception, as the sound of bands and dancing drifted through the island air, including the unmistakable sound of The Rolling Drones, a group whose bagpipe skills were in fine fettle as per usual. 

For all the hustle, bustle and dancing, ours is a very chilled out festival at its heart – after all, this is a celebration of Islay, and Islay is a very peaceful place. It was never hard to step down to the shore and enjoy a moment of calm by the water, met by the sounds of the lapping waves and the calls of wildlife.