Launched in 2011, La Maison du Whisky’s Artist range is a curated gallery of exceptional cask-strength whiskies, primarily sourced from the storied distilleries of Scotland. Each year, the collection’s labels are reimagined by a rotating cast of visual artists, bridging the gap between fine art and rare spirits. For its fifteenth edition, the range embarks on a journey to Islay in a prestigious collaboration with Elixir Distillers.

Founded by the Singh brothers in 1999, Elixir Distillers has long been synonymous with the "Queen of the Hebrides," a bond immortalized through their Elements of Islay and Port Askaig ranges. This connection has deepened into a permanent legacy with the construction of their own distillery, Portintruan, on Islay's rugged southern coast. Titled Something in the Water—a nod to one of Sukhinder Singh’s favorite songs—this edition celebrates the intangible magic that flows through the island’s unique water sources and peat bogs.

Exploring a comprehensive spectrum of peated profiles, Artist #15 features the evocative work of North Indian artist Radhika Surana. Her indigo-dyed textiles, adorned with meticulous embroidery, act as dreamlike cartography. Like abstract maps, her designs trace imaginary paths across Islay’s wild landscapes, mirroring the intricate and deeply layered whiskies within the bottles.

Dropping anchor near the village of Port Askaig, the 15th edition of the Artist range unveils a venerable 40-year-old treasure from Caol Ila—the "Sound of Islay." Following a complete reconstruction in 1974, the distillery transformed into the island’s largest producer, housing a majestic stillhouse with a staggering capacity across its six massive copper stills.

Now fully evolved after four decades of maturation, this bottling reveals a radiant and incredibly sophisticated profile. It is a masterclass in balance: bright, subtle, and profound, with delicate wisps of smoke slowly traversing a landscape of immense aromatic complexity.