Islay Jazz Festival returns this September, and for the first time in its decades-long history, has partnered with the Caol Ila Distillery. The partnership was created to celebrate the best of music and Scotch whisky across the island, offering fans a journey of discovery as they gather to enjoy music from some of Scotland’s most gifted performers at the island’s distilleries.
To mark the occasion, Caol Ila has released a unique festival edition bottling of its Single Malt Scotch Whisky — Caol Ila 18-Year-Old Jazz Festival Edition, The Guitarist. Created as part of a rare cask finish using toasted Scottish Oak cask ends, the whisky was first matured for 18 years in an American oak cask.
Caol Ila (translating to 'Sound of Islay' in Gaelic) is named after the stretch of water that separates Islay from the neighbouring island of Jura. Caol Ila has become the Islay Jazz Festival’s official partner as it returns for its 27th year in 2025. Bringing together a cast of musicians from all over Scotland, Caol Ila Distillery will host the three-day event which will feature pianist Fergus McCreadie, the band Unharm, and award-winning bass player and composer David Bowden. Bowden’s ‘Islay Experience’, a live acoustic concert, will take place alongside the atmospheric ageing of Caol Ila’s whisky at the distillery’s maturation warehouse.
The distillery is also hosting a number of Jazz Festival exclusive experiences for whisky fans to enjoy. Highlights include jazz-themed cocktail masterclasses and a curated food pairing experience. For those looking to delve into this year’s Jazz Edition, distillery manager Martin Gaughan will be hosting an exclusive warehouse tasting, including handpicked Caol Ila drams specifically for the experience, culminating in a first sip of the 2025 Jazz Edition.
Eleanor Gillies, Caol Ila’s brand home manager, commented: “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.”
This limited-edition release will launch at the Caol Ila Distillery from September 1. It will also be available at The Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street at an RRSP of £250 and bottled at 52.8% ABV.
Caol Ila Jazz Exclusive experiences can now be booked at: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/caol-ila.
