Elements of Islay, the award-winning independent whisky brand, is releasing Beach Bonfire, a special limited edition of 288 bottles which will be exclusively available at Islay’s festival Fèis Ìle (26 May – 3 June 2023).
The Elements of Islay team wanted to create a whisky that captured the essence of the island’s rugged wilderness and transport the drinker to the heart of this untamed land with each sip. Head Blender Oliver Chilton took inspiration from a bonfire night where colours, smoke, flames, and sand all collided on a beach – truly representing the unique spirit and terroir of Islay.
Bottled at 57.2% ABV, the blended whisky is matured in new oak, bourbon refill and sherry casks. The result is a powerful, herbaceous Islay malt with a rich, complex profile, laden with bonfire ember smoke and a sweet spice finish.
“We’re thrilled to present this blended malt for Fèis Ìle 2023,” said Elixir Distillers Head Blender, Oliver Chilton. “Beach Bonfire takes three distinct Islay spirits matured in a variety of different cask styles to bring a singular location and experience to life through flavour. The chance to condense and reimagine the incredible atmosphere of Islay’s coast by bonfire light into a glass of whisky is another step on our journey as blenders.”
As one of the most influential whisky festivals, Fèis Ìle provided the perfect platform to introduce the brand’s first limited bottling. To celebrate the release of the whisky, Elements of Islay will be hosting a series of events during the festival. On Tuesday 30 May at the Independent Bottling Fair, Distillery Manager Georgie Crawford will be conducting a masterclass showcasing Elements of Islay and Beach Bonfire alongside other expressions from the Elixir Distillers’ range. On Thursday June 1st from 7pm at ‘The Snug’, Lochside Hotel Bar, Bowmore, the team will host an evening of drams, cocktails, and music.
“Fèis Ìle is one of the biggest celebrations of whisky and Islay. We have started to build our Portintruan distillery, so it feels like the next step in our journey to participate and introduce our very first Elements of Islay Festival Blended Malt,” says Lisa Everingham, Marketing Director at Elixir Distillers.
Beach Bonfire is the first release from Elements of Islay since the re-launch of its core range last autumn. Similarly to the rest of the range, Beach Bonfire is non-chill filtered and retains its natural colour.
Elements of Islay, Beach Bonfire, 70cl, 57.2% ABV, RRP £79.95 will be available exclusively at the Islay Whisky shop – a series of sampling sessions will also take place at the retailer.
For full details on the Elements of Islay activities please visit Fèis Ìle’s website. Tickets for the Elixir Distillers masterclass can be found here.
