Finlaggan is an historic site on Eilean Mòr in Loch Finlaggan. The loch is located in northwest Islay. The Island of Islay lies in the stormy waters of the Atlantic Ocean just off the West coast of Scotland. Islay is the island where many peaty scotch whiskies are made (such as the potent Laphroaig, the favored whisky of Prince Charles.) The small island, which evokes memories of the movie The Wicker Man, boasts a caste and a mystery whisky is named after it.
So why is this whisky mysterious? The reason is that the distillery that produces it remains anonymous. All that is known is that the distillery is located on the Scottish island of Islay and the the whisky is a single malt. many whisky aficionados speculate that the whisky is a special edition produced by Lagavulin.
So, what is the whisky like to drink? Using our standard Digital Journal whisky tasting scheme let’s take a sip.
Color: The color is pale amber.
Nose: The nose detects a mix of iodine, seaweed, phenols and hints of sherry and smoke. There is also a floral touch, with some citrus fruit hints on a malty background
Palate: The palate is exceptionally smooth for a presumed rather young whisky.
Taste: The taste is dry, salty, peaty and smoky.
Finish: The finish adds some spice and pepper to final sipping experience. The finish has a nice long linger, with a strong continuation of the smokiness.
Finlaggan is reasonably priced for a single malt whisky, especially one of a high quality. The typical retail price is £28 ($42.) A stronger and more expensive cask strength version is also available.
The Digital Journal rating is 8 out of 10. It is a complex, warming, smoky, peaty treat. If you are a peat lover this is an amazing scotch for the price. you wont find any other Islay single malt for this price and it is certainly a first-class dram.
This feature forms part of an on-going series of whisky reviews on Digital Journal. Previously tried and tested whiskies are:
Whisky review #1: Isle of Jura – DJ rating 7 out of 10
Whisky review #2: Jameson – DJ rating 6 out of 10
Whisky review #3: Laphroaig 10 year old – DJ rating 8 out 10
Whisky review #4: Talisker 10 year old – DJ rating 8.5 out 10
Whisky review #4a: Talikser Storm – DJ rating 7 out 10
Whisky review #5: Monkey’s Shoulder – DJ rating 7 out 10
Whisky review #6: Glenlivet 12 year-old – DJ rating 5 out 10
