Finlaggan Cask Strength
Mashtun notes:
Finlaggan is a ‘mystery’ Islay dram named after Loch Finlaggan. The largest island on the loch is Eilean na Comhairle (Council Island) and this is where the chief of the clan MacDonald (for the isles) was initiated. It may be a ‘mystery dram’, but by all accounts, this dram is actually a Lagavulin, and having tasted it we would go along with that assumption. The nose on this had peat smoke, earth, sea salt, and sweet brine. The palate holds the flavours of the nose quite well but develops fruity notes along with smoky firewood, charcoal briquettes, and oak. The finish on this whisky is long, salty, malty, and has a hint of orange and charred oak at the tail end. It has a beautiful rich golden colour and thick sticky texture. Letting this dram breathe slightly sweetened the palate, and adding a little water brought out some marinated fruits on the palate.
All in all, this is a gorgeous whisky that has a lovely balance of Islay characteristics. It’s also cask strength which makes it real value for money too. Two of us actually gave it high enough scores that it almost became our highest scoring dram of 2016, almost! Having said that, we are peat fiends! If you have any sort of appreciation of Islay whisky definitely give this a go.
Finlaggan Cask Strength 58
- Nose: Lovely pungent peat smoke. Smoky bacon with a touch of old leather
- Palate: Rich sweet smoke. Iodine, lemon zest with a beautiful mouth coating oiliness. Waves of tarry peat
- Finish: Peppery peat. Soot and ash. Long and warming
http://www.vintagemaltwhisky.com/finlaggan/
Notes: 58% ABV – Finlaggan ‘mystery Islay’ whisky produced by the ‘Vintage Malt Whisky Company. £45 a bottle at time of tasting.
Finlaggan Cask Strength 58
Nose:
Orange, sweet notes, smoky malt, salt, and bonfires on the beach
Palate:
Peat, sweet, salty, charcoal briquettes, and oak
Finish:
Long, salty, and smoky. It’s also a touch savoury at the end with a hint of dry charred oak
Colour:
Golden
Texture:
Thick
Air:
Sweetens the palate and lightens the nose
Water:
Makes the finish slightly tart, but in a good way. Also lightens the palate flavours
Overall comments:
This is right up my street. A simply stunning offering for the price. It’s not for the light hearted, but if you like a slightly sweet, full bodied peaty dram this is a must.
Finlaggan Cask Strength 58
Nose:
Peat at the forefront, earthy savoury and ester notes
Palate:
The palate develops after the initial peat rush, unleashing blackcurrant and bubble gum notes
Finish:
Medium-short malty finish
Colour:
Pale yellow bronze
Texture:
Thick
Air:
Not a lot
Water:
Water brings out root vegetable and marinated fruit notes on the palate
Overall comments:
This is gorgeous, lovely balance of characteristic Islay peat notes and fragrant plant and grass flavours.
Finlaggan Cask Strength 58
Nose:
Toffee, smoke, match sticks, hot butter, and sweet brine
Palate:
Firewood and dry orange peel
Finish:
Orange and oak with lovely light wiffs of smoke
Colour:
Rich Gold
Texture:
Thick
Air:
Not a lot
Water:
Doesn’t do much
Overall comments:
If you like a peaty dram then this is the one for you. I like this dram!
