The Islay Jazz Festival, a delightful fusion of world-class jazz, exquisite whisky, and breathtaking Scottish scenery, is set to kick off on the 20th of September. With an impressive line-up of musicians and special guests, this year's festival promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees. Since 2011, Lagavulin has been releasing special bottlings for the Festival, which are well sought after by collectors.

To celebrate Islay Jazz Festival 2024, Lagavulin has unveiled a special release: the Lagavulin Jazz 2024, a 14-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky finished in South African Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks. This also appears to be the first time Lagavulin has used South African wine casks for maturation.

This finishing process imparts a creamy-smooth texture and a sweet initial taste, beautifully balanced by saltiness and Lagavulin's signature smoky flavour. Whisky writer Charles MacLean describes it as "an exciting example of Lagavulin, slightly sweeter than regular bottlings, but with good distillery character." 

The festival's stellar line-up includes pianist Paul Harrison, saxophonist Helena Kay, vocalist Laura Oghagbon, and Islay Jazz Festival icon Laura Macdonald. Other notable performers include Fergus McCreadie, Kit Downes, and Seonaid Aitken. Lagavulin will also be hosting two "All That Jazz" tastings on the 21st of September, where guests will have the opportunity to experience five rare Lagavulin expressions, including some long sold-out releases. Each whisky will be paired with a music track carefully selected to complement its flavour profile. This promises to be a truly unique sensory experience.

The exclusive Lagavulin Jazz 2024 bottling will be available for purchase at the Lagavulin Distillery during the festival, and a small allocation will be made available to Malts.com Malts Club members after the festival concludes. Malts.com is an online retailer specializing in whisky. With a retail price of £240 for a 70cl bottle at 56.1% ABV, and only 1,500 bottles available, this is a release that whisky enthusiasts and jazz lovers alike won't want to miss.

"Lagavulin Jazz Festival has been a highlight for Islay residents and fans around the globe and we’re very excited to celebrate this moment with such a special bottling. This is a rich complex Lagavulin with dark and tropical flavours that add a new layer to our much loved signature smoke. "

– Jordan Paisley, Lagavulin Distillery Manager

For more information on the Lagavulin Jazz 2024 release, visit malts.com.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team