Fèis Ìle Festival Masterclass

A powerhouse of rich and robust malts, the humble yet mighty Isle of Islay is revered during the festivities, and its beloved distilleries are given the recognition they deserve. At Baxter Inn, we are paying tribute to this annual tradition with our own private guided tasting through rare and limited releases from the famed Scottish Isle. Hosted by Baxter’s own cask whisperer, London, this intimate session explores a deeper cut of the island’s whisky canon, where rare age meets progressive craft.

Guests will begin with a Penicillin in hand before moving through a considered flight, from Bruichladdich’s terroir-driven Rock ’N’ Reel releases to exceptional aged expressions from Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and Ardbeg. Expect a journey through smoke, sea spray and quiet complexity, designed for those ready to push their palate further.

Following the exclusive tasting, guests are invited to stay on as the doors open and enjoy The Baxter Inn in full swing.

PENICILLIN COCKTAIL
Referencing an iconic Scottish invention, this cocktail delivers just as much impact as its namesake. Marrying two popular Islay Scotches, Johnnie Walker and Laphroaig, along with a punchy blend of ginger, honey and lemon, it’s a cocktail that perfectly reflects the bold nature and diversity of Islay Whisky.

BRUICHLADDICH ROCK N REEL 1.1
The Rock N Reel series is Bruichladdich’s heartfelt celebration of Islay’s agricultural soul—100% Rhinns of Islay barley, grown in the limestone-rich soil of the western peninsula and distilled on site. The 1.1 is the opening statement: unpeated, unfussy, and entirely captivating. Fresh green apple, honeyed barley and a gentle floral lift carry through to a warming, lingering finish that speaks quietly but insistently of the land it came from.

BRUICHLADDICH ROCK N DAAL 1.2
The companion to the 1.1, this second expression charts a slightly different course through the same Rhinns terroir. A richer character emerges here—stone fruit, white peach and a touch of toasted oak join the familiar creamy malt sweetness. Taken side by side, the two releases make a quietly compelling argument: that in Whisky, where something is grown matters every bit as much as how it is made.

CAOL ILA 33 YEAR OLD KINSHIP
The Kinship series sits at the very pinnacle of what Caol Ila can offer—exceptional casks, extraordinary age, and the kind of patience few distilleries can afford. Three decades on the shores of the Sound of Islay have wrought a quiet transformation. The distillery’s signature coastal peat and sea spray have mellowed into something altogether more contemplative: rich beeswax, smoked leather, dried citrus peel and a deep ancient oakiness that commands your full attention. This is a rare privilege in a glass.

CHARACTER OF ISLAY BUNNAHABHAIN 2004 19 YEAR OLD
From the revered independent bottler Elixir Distillers comes this exceptional single cask Bunnahabhain, released as part of their celebrated Character of Islay series. Distilled in 2004 and matured for nineteen years, this is Bunnahabhain at its most contemplative—the distillery’s characteristic richness of dried fruit and toasted nuts deepened by two decades of quiet transformation. Walnut, dark raisin and warming oak spice lead the way, with just enough coastal air on the finish to remind you exactly where it came from.

ARDBEG BLACK 2020 COMMITTEE RELEASE
Released exclusively to members of Ardbeg’s devoted Committee, the Black 2020 edition is one of the distillery’s most eagerly anticipated drops. A brooding, richly layered dram, it leads with charred oak, bitter dark chocolate and a shot of espresso before the distillery’s signature coastal peat asserts itself on the finish. Bold, unapologetic and deeply satisfying—exactly what Ardbeg’s most loyal followers have come to expect.

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