Charity Bottles from the Fèis Ìle Committee raising funds for Islay

From 14 - 24 May, Whisky Auctioneer will present a specialist sale as part of our continuing partnership with Pat's Whiskey. The sale is dedicated to his collection of expressions from Fèis Ìle on Islay, the largest and most complete that we have ever encountered. 

In addition to expressions from Pat's Whisk(e)y Collection, the auction will feature bottles that have been donated to the Fèis Ìle Committee by distilleries in order to raise charitable funds for the island through their Islay Wave Project, which will focus on ways to support culture, artists and youth.

Florence Grey, Chairperson at the Fèis Ìle Committee added:

“Fèis Ìle was delighted to be given the bottles in this charity auction from Diageo, plus a signed bottle from the legendary Islay whisky maker Jim McEwan. All the proceeds raised from these bottles will benefit our island community as the funds will kickstart our Islay Wave Project - an ongoing project that will begin after this year's virtual festival. Focusing on ways to support our island's culture, artists and youth, The Islay Wave Project concentrates on everything we celebrate throughout Fèis Ìle. We are very grateful to Whisky Auctioneer for their support in bringing these bottles to auction.”

Highlighted Charity Lots

Various distilleries have donated 20 expressions to the committee to support the Islay community. Browse all 20 charity lots here and discover our Top 3 picks below.

The Port Ellen 40 Year Old ‘9 Rogue Casks’ - The second release in the ‘Untold Stories’ series, which explores the intriguing history of the Islay distillery ahead of its reopening after closure almost three decades ago. 

Caol Ila 1982 Cask Strength 35 Year Old - One of only 3726 bottles, this 2018 Diageo Special Release was distilled in 1982 and matured in a combination of refill American and European butts, as well as refill American oak hogsheads. 

Lagavulin 25 Year Old Bicentenary Edition - Released in 2016 as part of Diageo's Special Releases, this sherry cask matured, cask strength 25 year old Lagavulin was one of a number of limited editions produced in celebration of the distillery's 200th anniversary.

About Fèis Ìle

The Fèis Ìle festival is a week-long celebration of music, malt and culture on Islay held annually. The festival originally evolved from the want to revive the Gaelic language and culture on the island.

The festival initially focused on recognising local talent through music, dances,  workshops  and  events;  giving the committee a platform to promote the island and attract visitors. In 2000, the island distilleries became more involved and introduced their Open Days with each distillery taking its turn in the spotlight. Ultimately they offered a calendar of exclusive events and introduced their special Fèis Ìle bottlings.

Usually only available for visitors to the island during the festival, enthusiasts are regularly seen camping out in legendary distillery queues to get their hands on these special limited-run single malts.