Rare Find has unveiled its exclusive Fèis Ìle 2026 Collection — a striking trio of limited-edition 12-year-old Caol Ila single malts, each finished in a different octave cask to celebrate Islay’s iconic whisky festival.
The Edinburgh-based independent bottler presents the collection as a “sensory homage” to Fèis Ìle, combining bold cask experimentation with artistic presentation. Each whisky has spent three months finishing in either Ruby Port, Tawny Port, or Madeira octave casks, creating three distinct interpretations of Caol Ila’s signature smoky coastal style.
Adding to the release’s collectability, each bottling features a bespoke full-art label inspired by the whisky’s flavour profile and cask influence, forming a visual triptych across the range.
As with all Rare Find releases, the whiskies are bottled at natural cask strength, with natural colour and no chill filtration.
Rare Find Fèis Ìle 2026 Collection
Caol Ila 12-Year-Old Ruby Port Octave Finish
- 58.2% ABV
- 61 bottles
- Finished for three months in a Ruby Port octave
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Smoked barbecue sauce, dried berries, warming spices
- Palate: Citrus, granite, medicinal smoke, raspberries and redcurrants
- Finish: Long and fruity with lingering sweet smoke
Caol Ila 12-Year-Old Tawny Port Octave Finish
- 58.3% ABV
- 63 bottles
- Finished for three months in a Tawny Port octave
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Mince pies, cola cubes, medicinal peat smoke and pineapple
- Palate: Brown sugar, anise chews, cola sweets and coastal smoke
- Finish: Lemon gel, iodine and fading sweet fruits
Caol Ila 12-Year-Old Madeira Octave Finish
- 57.9% ABV
- 66 bottles
- Finished for three months in a Madeira octave
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Griddled strawberries, salted almonds, ashy smoke and angelica
- Palate: Aniseed, coastal smoke and lemon tart
- Finish: Salty, smoky and zesty with lingering citrus
John Moffat, Head of Commercial for Rare Find, commented:
“We create whiskies for those who chase unforgettable moments as much as exceptional flavour — the first dram after stepping off the ferry, waves lapping against the distillery walls, and late evenings spent sharing stories with newfound friends.”
He added that the collection also marks the launch of Rare Find’s first-ever full art label series, hinting at future creative releases from the brand.
The Rare Find Fèis Ìle 2026 Collection will launch through selected retailers from 22 May 2026, with each expression carrying an RRP of £99.
