Finlaggan Old Reserve Islay Single Malt

Nose: Earthy, smoky, with a vegetal brine. Sweetened cereal grains. Underlying vanilla. Coffee, leather, rosemary, thyme, anise. Tobacco. A touch of oak. It's clearly on the younger side, as some elements haven't fully developed. It's bright and vibrant, but not in an unpleasant way. Palate: Honey and toasted grains – the barley is allowed to shine here. Mint, lemon zest. Bitter chocolate and black pepper. Smoky, dry ash. Tobacco, oak, freshly cut grass. Creamy texture. The mouthfeel is medium, with the oil content and slight effervescence surprisingly present for an 80-proof spirit. Finish: Medium to long, starting without much change – sweet barley, smoke, earth. The deeper notes fade, allowing plum and strawberry to emerge, as the barley shifts to resemble sweetened granola. Smoke and ash are present throughout, concluding with mint, lemon oil, coriander seeds, thyme, and basil. Additional Thoughts: I've been searching for a peated Islay suitable for daily drinking, and I've found it. The fact that it cost under $25, including tax, makes me happy. It's not flawless; rumors suggest it's a 6-year-old, and the profile reflects that age, but the existing qualities are so good that I will definitely keep it stocked at home. I would also happily recommend this to anyone interested in exploring peated whiskies.

Halloween 2024 - Nancy Lovely nose, peaty and slightly smoky First sip is effervescent and refreshing Second sip is wonderfully peaty! The peat is precise and dense... This second sip is very round and delights the palate! Third sip is very slightly peppery with a smoky flavor that settles on the finish to enhance this superior quality whisky. No chest, a whisky for an elegant woman who enjoys challenging England with loud cries of " Mac Aulish " echoing in the air. Precise peat, a true Scottish whisky. Like a regular, high-quality lover who never disappoints. We know in advance the pleasure she will bring us... We don't ask for more than for her to be herself and we are never disappointed... This whisky is a pure product of the Scottish islands, these lords know how to work peat and honor Bacchus. May the angel's share be dedicated to it in honor of this epic evening that is about to unfold...

An outstanding whisky for its cost. An Islay whisky for less than $20! Unbelievable, right? One would expect it to be terrible. Incorrect. Very incorrect. This whisky now has a permanent place in my collection. On the nose, there's a subtle smoke and strong peat with hints of brine and iodine. The palate offers smoke, a bit of peat, burnt caramel, and with careful tasting, a slight trace of stewed meat and honey. The finish is not overly complex and doesn't linger as long as more premium whiskies, but it concludes with a beachside campfire essence and a hint of vanilla. It also has a slightly medicinal quality. Overall, it's a remarkably good whisky for the $19 USD I paid. I wouldn't spend €30 on it, as some here have suggested. For that price, I would opt for a Bowmore or Laphroaig 10. But at $20, this Islay whisky is a bargain, and I will certainly make it my regular drink.

On the nose, there's a smell of damp earth and smoky peat along with a salty sea air. The taste brings a strong peat smoke, sweet malt, pepper, tar, and a hint of iodine. The finish is long and warming, with the taste of smoky peat embers. I detect band-aids and a sweet, smoky brine on the nose. The palate is somewhat sweet, creamy, oily, and viscous. The finish is medium in length and warming, with some savory, sweet notes. A good buy for the price at a grocery store.

Nose: smoke/peat, salt, slow-cooked meat. Taste: iodine/medicinal, salty sweetness/mint (emerging after several minutes, then exclusively tasting of iodine), damp smoke. Finish: iodine, ash. Thoughts: The nose is truly excellent, but the taste doesn't quite measure up. If it did, this would receive a significantly higher score. However, it's quite inexpensive.

The aroma is very peaty with underlying sweetness, which actually blends quite well. The flavor is dominated by peat, with honey in the mid-palate and a black pepper finish. It's quite nice for its price, possessing at least medium richness. If it only had a longer finish and more complexity, it would be outstanding.