Elements of Islay, the award-winning independent bottler, is launching an exclusive blend for Fèis Ìle 2024. Fireside is a limited-release blended malt from two characterful Islay distilleries, with 264 bottles of Fireside (Fèis Edition) exclusively available at Fèis Ìle (24th May – 1st June) and an ensuing global release.
Description automatically generated For this whisky, Elixir Distillers’ Head Blender Oliver Chilton took inspiration from the unpredictable elements of the island, and the image of enjoying a smoky dram with friends by the fire during an Islay downpour.
This blended malt brings together whiskies from two distilleries on the island’s north coast, matured in heavily re-charred barrels, American oak Oloroso sherry hogsheads and European oak Oloroso sherry butts. It is a rich blend of smoky and sweet charred wood that harmonises with juicy red fruit and candied orange flavours.
Oliver Chilton says of the release: “Fireside is a simple blend of two distilleries and three cask styles, with rich, warmth, unctuous feeling brought in by Caol Ila matured in Pedro Ximenez, married with Bunnahabhain matured in American Oak Oloroso sherry hogsheads, giving a base of wood smoke and sweet spice. Lastly, we used some Caol Ila matured in re-charred Spanish wine casks that delivered sweet berry fruit notes and a sense of fun – inevitable when staying up late next to the fireside on Islay.”
Elements of Islay and Elixir Distillers are a partner of Friends of the Fèis, an initiative created to give back to the island, benefitting the festival and the local community. Giving back to the festival committee in this way is a prerequisite for releasing an official Fèis bottling. With the anticipated development of Portintruan Distillery, Elixir Distillers are cementing themselves as a core part of Islay’s community and culture.
The Elements of Islay range of blended malt whiskies is inspired by the nature of Islay; the stability of its earth, its flow of water, its passion of fire and lightness of air. The taste of the brand’s core expressions is shaped by these elements, as is this limited release.
Elements of Islay Fireside (70cl, 54.5% ABV, RRP £84.95) will be available at the Islay Whisky shop during Fèis Ìle and the global release will follow in early June.
