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FÈIS ÌLE & LAPHROAIG DAY 2023
FÈIS ÌLE
Fèis Ìle – or the Islay Whisky Festival – is a pretty big deal here on the island. For ten days, whisky and Islay fans gather to celebrate our homeland. Her culture, her spirit and her whisky.
The festivities will include a bit of everything we love, like music, dancing, and singing to start. Making new friends and reuniting with old ones. There are sporting events too including bowling, fly fishing and golf. We’ve even been known to have a dram or two of whisky along the way, if you can believe it.
On Tuesday, 30 May we hosted Laphroaig Day 2023 at Fèis Ìle.
Visitors got to explore all things Laphroaig® from distillery tours to tasting drams straight from the barrel. The biggest event on the day was of course the unveiling of our much-anticipated Càirdeas expression for 2023, which is available in our store now.
Here’s a look at our programme from the day.
DECONSTRUCTION CÀIRDEAS 2023
Distillery Manager, Barry MacAffer and Master Blender, Calum Fraser hosted a tasting of this year’s Càirdeas expression where they guided guests its journey of creation from initial idea to final bottle.
TEAM PICKS
Assistant Distillery Manager Pamela Ferguson hosted a tasting of drams that have become favourites amongst the on-site team.
BARRY & PAMELA’S TASTING
We explored old & new expressions with Barry and Pamela as they reflected on their first year in management and discussed plans for the future of Laphroaig.
EXPLORE LORE WITH THE BLENDER
Master Blender, Calum Fraser hosted a tasting of the Lore range, delving into its creation and how he uses the five different cask parcels that make up the final product.
ELEMENTS OF LAPHROAIG
A deep dive into the different aspects of Laphroaig, from the signature flavours of Peat, Smoke and Fire, to learning why Laphroaig is known for its powerful, uncompromising flavour.
CASK COLLABORATION WITH INNIS & GUNN AND LAPHROAIG
A tasting that explored the collaboration between Laphroaig and Innis & Gunn, from the Laphroaig cask that was used in this year’s release, to the final product and marriage of two flavours.
Whether it was online or in person, we want to extend a huge thank you to all those who joined us on Laphroaig Day this year.
You can check out all the highlights from the day on our social channels now.
The Laphroiag Day entertainment doesn’t end there though. We’ll soon be going live to unpack our new 2023 Càirdeas expression, which was officially unveiled at Fèis Ìle.
LAPHROAIG LIVE with Barry & Pamela
7 June 2023
18:15 (GMT+1)
#LaphroaigLive Deconstructing Càirdeas 2023
Join us for a live tasting of Laphroaig Càirdeas 2023 White Port & Madeira Casks with Barry and Pamela. We’ll discover the flavours and character of the new expression while exploring its journey of creation, from idea to bottle.
We are especially excited for this year’s distinct Càirdeas expression because of its unique flavour that brings together the best of much loved Càirdeas releases over recent years.
This year’s limited-edition single malt is a combination of Madeira and White Port casks with three quarters being matured in second-fill Madeira casks to release smoky, spicy, and sweet fruit flavours. The final quarter is finished in first-fill Port casks; the majority of these being white port, add a hint of crisp fruit and deep woodiness to the taste.
Want to know what our team on Islay think? See what a few of our on-site distillery staff have to say about our very special Càirdeas 2023 bottling.
BARRY MACAFFER- DISTILLERY MANAGER:
“A surprising sweetness, pleasant citrus fruits followed up with the lingering finish of classic Laphroiag peat reek.”
EMMA BOYLE- PRODUCTION TEAM LEADER:
“Butter icing, orange peel on the BBQ & co-op truly irresistible marmalade.”
COLIN CAMPBELL- ISLAY MATURATION TEAM LEADER:
“I remember tucking these precious casks into rest for their long sleep in the warehouse and I just knew at the time it was going to be special, I was right!”
PAMELA FERGUSON - DISTILLERY ASSISTANT MANAGER:
“Crème brulee, lots of vanilla and a zestiness on the nose. Lots of sweetness that turns into a spicy finish. Dare I say it- its sugar spice and all things nice!”
GREIG STEWART - ENGINEER:
“Reminds me of the aromas when im servicing the kiln fans.”
GRAHAM HOLYOAKE - MASHING/STILLING OPERATOR:
“One of my favourite Cairdeas expressions yet, nosing this dram brings back fond memories of turning the malt floors by hand when there was a gentle easterly breeze drifting through the smoking kilns, I really miss those days!”
Sounds of Laphroaig
Can’t be with us in person for Fèis Ìle? Get into the spirit of things with some of the sounds from our favourite place.
FÈIS ÌLE PLAYLIST
Believe it or not, Fèis Ìle is not just about whisky. It’s also a celebration of the rich culture, merriness, and music of Islay. Listen to our specially curated festival playlist on Spotify to get in the mood.
