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The Jolly Roger flying from the MV Honeydew

Who are we?

The Whisky Pirates at Bruichladdich Distillery, Fèis Ìle 2026

We are the Whisky Pirates — a group of friends united by a love of whisky and a taste for adventure. We were named by Laphroaig during Fèis Ìle 2023, and the name stuck.

Each year we charter the MV Honeydew — normally a dive boat, but perfectly suited to a crew of whisky-loving pirates — and set sail for Islay to take part in Fèis Ìle, the island's famous whisky festival. We work our way around the distilleries, sample what's on offer, and generally have a very good time.

Whisky Pirates Islay 2026 hip flask

How did we form?

Heading ashore from the MV Honeydew

Mainly by accident. We'd chartered the Honeydew for Fèis Ìle 2023 and then one of us posted a pirate hat picture in the group WhatsApp chat... you can guess the rest!

The MV Honeydew has become as much a part of the adventure as the distilleries themselves — our floating base camp, dram in hand, watching Islay go by.

Whisky Pirates at golden hour on Islay