MAC-TALLA AT FÈIS ÌLE 2023
Mac-Talla hosted its first series of events at the iconic whisky festival on Islay - Fèis Ìle this year. The Morrison family have 4 generations of Islay connections, including the ownership of Bowmore Distillery for many decades. 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 mission for Mac-Talla is to showcase the diversity of flavour found across Islay, from gently peated and sherry matured to cask strength, maritime drams. The Morrison family are perfectly positioned to take you on a taste journey across the island, allowing you to discover the variety and depth the island has to offer.
This brings us to the journey of where we are today and how Mac-Talla debuted at Fèis Ìle this year. A date that we will always remember is 1st June 2023 as this commemorates the launch of our first Fèis Ìle Limited Edition released in the Mac-Talla range. 26 casks were carefully selected by our expert production team to ensure a high-quality whisky was created. Maturation of smoky Islay Single Malt in Pedro Ximénez casks has resulted in a rich, sweet and fruity sip. You can expect some burnt toffee, peat smoke and jam on the palate.
Dinner at The Machrie Hotel
Our first event began on Tuesday 30th May at The Machrie Luxury Hotel and Golf Links. With our launch of the new Fèis Ìle PX Limited edition on 1st June 2023, we wanted to give people an exclusive chance to to try this expression. The event began with a drinks reception in the Stag Lounge, accompanied with an iconic Mac-Talla Popcorn Hiball upon arrival. We then delved into a Q&A with the notable Brian Morrison (ex-owner of Bowmore Distillery) whilst trying the new Mac-Talla Fèis Ìle limited edition.
After the Q&A, guests progressed into the Kildalton Room for dinner. Here, guests were served a five-course meal, complimented with three different Mac-Talla whiskies, and ending with two special expressions, including a Càrn Mòr Family Cask and a 1996 Bowmore.
Mac-Talla Festival Day
To celebrate our first year at Fèis Ìle, we decided to host a ‘Journey of Taste’ festival day, filled with music, games, BBQ, lawn games with Mac-Talla prizes and whisky. We were extremely lucky with the weather and had bright blue skies with a gentle breeze. This was the perfect day for those who wanted something a little more relaxing and chilled out. It was a fun-filled day for guests and the team: we can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Other Events
As well as our main events at The Machrie Hotel, we also took part in events across the Island, including the Indie Fèis Ìle Festival, with our own Mac-Talla Masterclass, a Mac-Talla Whisky and Curry Night at The Ballygrant Inn and a Whisky and Music Night with folk musician Robin Laing. With these events, we took guests on a ‘Journey of Taste’ throughout the flavours found in each of our Islay whiskies. From Terra representing the earthy terroir, to Mara which showcases more maritime elements, we offer a full-flavour palate across our range. Our new limited edition is now available to buy from selected retailers.
Click below to grab one.