Mac-Talla, the Islay single malt brand created and bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD), has launched, Friday, 16 May, of its latest limited edition whisky in celebration of Fèis Ìle 2025 (23-31 May).
Now in its third year, the annual release pays tribute to the island’s distinctive whisky heritage and the art of cask finishing. Following a 2023 edition finished in PX Sherry casks and a 2024 release matured in rum casks, the 2025 expression has been fully matured in first-fill Amarone wine casks sourced from northern Italy.
With a love for the island and a desire to reconnect with Islay, Mac-Talla Single Malt Scotch Whisky was created as a result of generations of heritage with the aim to take you on a journey of taste throughout the island.
The whisky is bottled at 53.8% ABV and described as offering layers of rich dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, alongside Mac-Talla’s hallmark peated character.
Lauren Doherty of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said: “Each Fèis Ìle edition is an opportunity to explore the versatility of Islay malt through exceptional wood.”
“This year’s Amarone cask finish adds depth and elegance, while still allowing that signature coastal smoke to shine through.”
Mac-Talla, which means “echo” in Scottish Gaelic, was created by the Morrison family – one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families, to express their deep connection with the island of Islay.
The brand sources its spirit from undisclosed Islay distilleries and is known for combining bold maritime peat with carefully selected cask finishes.
Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied Italian red wine, made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are air-dried to concentrate flavours.
Its influence brings sweet, rounded fruit notes that complement the smoky, savoury core of the Mac-Talla spirit.
The 2025 Amarone Cask Edition is now available via specialist retailers priced at RRP £78.00. Quantities are strictly limited.
For any lucky whisky lovers that will be attending Fèis Ìle this year, Mac-Talla are hosting some exclusive events over the festival. All details can be found here.
Tasting Notes:
- Release Date: 16th May 2025
- RRP: £78.00 ABV: 53.3%
- Tasting notes: Prominent notes of stone fruits wrapped up in rich dark chocolate with a long finish of warming peat at the end Available Markets: UK, EU, and select international markets
- Age of Liquid: NAS
- Finish: 18 months finishing, marriage of two casks(1 butt of First Fill Amarone, 1 partial refill European Oak Butt), returned to Amarone casks for a further 6 months.
- Casks Used: 2 casks
Stockists: Mac-Talla Amarone will be available from select whisky retailers from 16th May – for more details on stockists visit: https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists
Mac-Talla’s Event Programme at Fèis Ìle 2025:
Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Whisky Journey of Taste Walk:
A guided walk along Islay’s coast with 5 accompanying drams influenced by the Landscape.
Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Time: 2-4pm approx.
Islay Sea Adventures with Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt:
Islay Sea Adventures and Mac-Talla Islay Whisky have teamed up for a whisky and wildlife tour, taking in the Island’s stunning scenery, paired with delicious whisky!
Date: 26th May 2024
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Islay Sea Adventures
Indie Whisky Festival:
Date: 27th May 2025
Time: Several sessions throughout the day
Location: Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen
Pizza Paired Pours:
Islay’s renowned Peatzeria for an unforgettable tasting experience, with pizza paired pours.
Date: Wednesday, 28th May
Time: 2-3:30pm & 7-8:30pm
Location: Peatzeria, 22 Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay
For more information, visit www.mactallawhisky.com
