Mac-Talla is set to release a special limited-edition Islay single malt whisky in celebration of the 2025 Fèis Ìle, an annual festival held on Islay. The exclusive bottling will hit select retailers on May 16, 2025, with an RRP of £78.00.

The new expression marries the bold, smoky character of Islay whisky with the rich complexity of Italian wine casks, offering enthusiasts a unique taste experience ahead of the island’s annual whisky celebration. This year’s festival runs from 23rd-31st May. 

Bottled at a robust 53.3% ABV, this non-age-statement release underwent an intricate maturation process featuring both European oak and Amarone wine casks.

Mac-Talla Fèis Ìle 2025 ‘Amarone’ – From Italy to Islay

The limited-edition bottling showcases a distinctive finishing process using first-fill Amarone casks sourced from Italy’s prestigious Valpolicella region.

Amarone della Valpolicella is renowned among wine connoisseurs for its concentrated flavors, developed through the traditional appassimento method where grapes are air-dried before fermentation.

This whisky underwent 18 months of finishing, combining spirit from one first-fill Amarone butt and one partial refill European oak butt. The marriage was then returned to Amarone casks for an additional six months of maturation.

According to the official tasting notes, the whisky features “prominent notes of stone fruits wrapped up in rich dark chocolate with a long finish of warming peat at the end.”

Fèis Ìle Events Planned for Islay Visitors

Mac-Talla has organized exclusive events during the Fèis Ìle festival for visitors to the island.

Whisky enthusiasts attending Scotland’s premier island whisky celebration can experience the new release firsthand while participating in Mac-Talla’s festival activities. Find out more about Mac-Talla’s Fèis Ìle events here.

The limited edition will be available to consumers in the UK, EU, and select international markets through specialized whisky retailers beginning May 16.

Interested buyers can find information about stockists by visiting the Mac-Talla website.

Read the full article at Mac-Talla Brings Italy To Islay With New Amarone Cask Fèis Ìle Whisky