Finlaggan Islay Malt

40% ABV, £23.95 for 70cl at RMW

Score: 82/100

What they say:

Finlaggan is very much the SECRET Islay, as the name of the distillery from which it comes is a closely guarded secret and known to only a select few. Only those who have sampled Islay malts over a long period and who are familiar with the subtle differences of nose and taste, could begin to guess at the pedigree of this true son of Islay.
The Island of Islay lies in the stormy waters of the Atlantic Ocean just off the West coast of Scotland. Many centuries ago,the
Lord of the Isles ruled Scotland from the stronghold of Finlaggan Castle on Islay, but today it is malt whisky that legends are made of.
There are eight malt distilleries on Islay, all are excellent but with
many different flavours.

Colour: Very pale straw with lemony-yellow highlights.

Nose: Full & pungent with an earthy smokiness & fresh hints of ozone.

Flavour : Dry, smoky & fresh, clean & big-bodied.

Finish : Long & smooth with a smoky-burnt oakiness & a very slight edge of richness.

What I say:

This young Islay malt bottled by the Vintage Malt Whisky Company is widely believed to be from Lagavulin Distillery.

Colour:

Gold

Nose:

Sweet peaty and malty

Taste:

Young and feisty malt with sherry fruits

Finish:

Medium with sweet Icing sugar and peat.