Fèis Ìle, also known as the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, is an annual celebration held on the Scottish island of Islay. This festival is a blend of traditional Scottish music, culture, and, most notably, Islay whisky. Each year, whisky enthusiasts from around the world gather to participate in a week-long event that features distillery open days, exclusive tastings, masterclasses, and lively ceilidhs (traditional Scottish social gatherings). Fèis Ìle offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich heritage of Islay, meet the people behind the iconic whiskies, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local community.
A few months ago, I was due to participate in an online tasting hosted by The Attic Islay, a band of three friends. We have (in the order they give on their social media) Colin Stroud, from Attic Cabs, an Islay taxi company. Next we have David Brodie, the famous tour guide from Bunnahabhain, known for his view from the verandah and his helloooooo videos when walking his dogs on Islay. And last but not least, Katie Cairns, the Visitor Centre coordinator at Bunnahabhain. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend that online tasting but I thought the five Fèis Ìle whiskies they sent (also with the Ardnahoe Inaugural Release we already reviewed) would make a nice post, so here we are with five Fèis Ìle whiskies!
