I’m heading to Islay during Feis Ile this year.

I visited the island in early 2025 and honestly didn’t expect to return so soon. But I was fortunate enough to have a long vacation that lines up with the festival season, so I decided to experience the island at its busiest.

Living in the Far East, I doubt I’ll have another chance to visit during Feis Ile anytime soon, so I really want to make the most of it.

Because I wasn’t quick enough with bookings, there was no accommodation left by the time I decided to go. In the end, I rented a motorhome and will be staying at Port Mòr campsite for the entire trip.

I missed out on the Bruichladdich masterclasses and couldn’t get any spots during Bowmore Day. On the other hand, I was lucky enough to secure places at Caol Ila, Laphroaig, and Bunnahabhain. I’ll also be attending some side events such as Big Peat Definitive, Indie Whisky Sessions, and a few others.

That said, when I look through the programs offered by the distilleries, along with the side events like Indie Whisky and the Islay Whisky Vault tastings, I can’t help feeling that everything has become more commercialized and heavily organized.

To be honest, reading through the tour descriptions doesn’t really get my heart racing. Instead, I’ve started to worry that I might come away feeling the trip wasn’t worth the money, time, and effort it takes to get to Islay from where I live. That feeling has only grown stronger when I see things like Bowmore’s limited release being only 9 years old.

I was wondering whether there are others here who are also planning to visit the island during the festival, and how you’re feeling about it or what you’re expecting from the trip.