Hey, fellas, how are you today? I am happy that I found some time to wtite a couple of words about a verybibterrsting whisky. Have you ever heared about Finlaggan whisky?
We live in time when global brands own a lot of businesses and that is true about the scotch whisky distilleries too. Usually the old distilleries are now run by big names, but who cares if their products are damn good? I am also aware that some distilleries stopped production at some time and then, after many years, were resurrected by some generous people. And this is for the main reason to present their customers some heavenly spirits.
But… the Finlaggan distillery has some slightly different story.
Finlaggan comes fromthe Isle of Islay, but actually… there is no such distillery.
Although there is no distillery at Finlaggan Castle, this ancient home of the “Lord of the Isles” lends its name to one of the islands finest malts whiskies.
So, this is right, Finlaggan is just a castle! I have tried to gather more information about this brand, or more specifically this bottler, especially where they take their golden liquid from, but it seems that nobody really knows and this is maybe one of the most mysterious brands of scotch whisky around.
Some people say that they take their whisly from Ardberg, others suggest Caol Ila, some even say Bowmore… One thing is true, the whisky comes from Islay and maybe they buy spirits from different distilleries. This will be a mystery for life, I guess… But really, let’s see this Sherry finished whisky.
This one does not have a stated age, which means that some of the whisky ysed for blending it was probably quite young. But I don’t really have a problem with this. Yes, the older whiskies are better in a lot of manners, but they come at a price. And of course, I am still in the beginning of my dive into the deep waters of Scotch whiskies. Thinking again, this may be my first Sherry finished whisky that I try.
The color is really a lot darker and a bit reddish compared to other non sherry whiskies. I don’t think that there was an artificial coloring used for this exact liquid, but who knows… One thing I know for sure. I like the looks of this!
The Finlaggan, and all the Islay whiskies are famous with their smokiness. They are famous with peat dried malts which gives this distinctive aroma and flavor. Some specimens may be too peaty for unexperienced drinker, but I find a very special character in them.
In the nose, the first thing you catch is bonfire! Quite smoky, but this is quickly accompanied by some sweet forest fruits. It is not only smokiness, which is a thing that I like a lot.
In mouth it replicates the aroma pattern. First comes the smoke, then some sweetiness starts to make company. Dark fruits, some caramel, a touch of salt. Its 46 degrees are perfect and it really doesn’t feel that high in alcohol content. I think that 43-48 is the perfect range for good drinkability.
The finish is medium in my opinion, but I don’t have the training which will show me what a long finish means. I can feel its sweetnes for a matter of minutes which is great. The oily feel and wood mouthfeel remain for a lot more time.
One of the greatest advantages when buying this bottle will be that you will most probably buy some higher end brand on a discount. Sometimes the brand and the name boosts the prise by some percentage and this is expected. So far I have tried some of their whiskies and at prices between $30-$45 per bottle these are real gems. Of course inly if you like peated whiskies.
So… donyou want to try a premium whisky at a discount? Do you like dealing with such mysterious bottles, knowing that you may drink from the bigger brothers? I think this is quite appealing!
See you soon and cheers!
Bye!