Fèis Ìle 2017 Day 1: Lagavulin
This year’s festival opened with a hectic schedule of masterclasses, music and tastings.
Despite the rain there was a real festival atmosphere at both Jura and Kilchoman distilleries on the sixth day of Fèis Ìle 2017. The incessant downpours failed to deter festival go-ers who descended on the island distilleries to drink, dance and pick up their own limited edition festival bottlings.
At Jura, Whyte & Mackay whisky maker Gregg Glass introduced visitors to the 2017 Tastival bottling, a no-age-statement matured in first-fill American oak with a ruby Port and further American oak finish.
Meanwhile, George Wills, sales and marketing manager at Kilchoman, met with Scotchwhisky.com editor Becky Paskin to discuss the Islay farm distillery’s bottling, a vatting of two 100% Islay casks – one an ex-Bourbon barrel and the other an ex-oloroso Sherry butt.
This year’s festival opened with a hectic schedule of masterclasses, music and tastings.
With party vibes aplenty, Bruichladdich offered oysters and no fewer than seven drams for revellers.
Time to implement Plan B at secluded Caol Ila as the rains sweep in across Islay.
Whisky tasting bingo, future planning and a sense of calm as the festival hits Laphroaig.