Caol Ila taps into Jazz
Diageo-owned Caol Ila Distillery has released an 18-year-old limited edition whisky to mark its partnership with the Islay Jazz Festival.
The 27th iteration of Islay Jazz Festival will take place on the Scottish island from 19-21 September, and celebrates music and Scotch whisky.
Caol Ila, the biggest distillery on the island, will join the celebration for the first time as the festival’s official partner.
To mark the occasion, the distillery has released a commemorative whisky: Caol Ila 18-year-old Jazz Festival Edition, The Guitarist.
Initially aged 18 years in an American oak barrel, the heavily peated whisky was finished in a cask with toasted Scottish oak cask ends. It showcases notes of peppery smoky, toffee apple, cinnamon and saline peat.
Eleanor Gillies, brand home manager of Caol Ila Distillery, said: “We always love the energy and excitement that the Jazz Festival brings to the island, and we’re honoured to be its partner in 2025.
“We look forward to hosting performances with the incredible musicians here at the distillery and to welcoming guests who enjoy the magic of music and whisky coming together. This year’s very special Festival Edition captures that spirit perfectly. At 18 years old, the expression reflects the essence of Caol Ila’s coastal character, with a gentle, but lingering fade of smouldering ember.”
The Caol Ila 18-year-old Jazz Edition 2025 is limited to 948 bottles at 52.8% ABV and has a recommended retail price of £250 (US$).
It is now available at the distillery and will soon be launched at The Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street, Edinburgh.
The Festival
A diverse cast of musicians from across Scotland will come together for a three-day event at the Caol Ila Distillery.
The lineup includes pianist Fergus McCreadie, the band Unharm led by guitarist James Mackay, neo-soul and jazz vocalist Gaïa, and bass player and composer David Bowden. Bowden will present his live acoustic concert, ‘Islay Experience,’ at the distillery’s maturation warehouse.
The distillery will also host several exclusive experiences for whisky enthusiasts during the Jazz Festival.
Key highlights include a Jazz-themed cocktail masterclass led by the bar team and a Smoke & Salt Food Pairing Experience, which showcases the unique character of Caol Ila through specially curated canapé pairings.
For those interested in the inaugural Jazz Edition, distillery manager Martin Gaughan will conduct an exclusive warehouse tasting. This experience features handpicked Caol Ila drams, culminating in the opportunity to be among the first to taste the 2025 Jazz Edition.
Earlier this year, Caol Ila unveiled an eight-year-old whisky for the Fèis Ìle festival.
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