Finlaggan Red Wine Cask Matured

(Vita Dulcis Advent Calendar 13/24) Nose: A gentle but discernible Islay peat, the red wine finish adds an interesting layer, notes of canned peaches and baked apples. Surprisingly pleasant, a bit subdued but acceptable. The aroma reminds me of Kilchoman, with its cold charcoal barbecue smoke and burnt matches, later evolving into a barbecue sauce made from cooked black and raspberries. Palate: Also intriguing and quite intense, demanding and dry but certainly interesting. It softens over time and becomes lightly sweet, like fresh strawberry jam, while the cool, ashy peat smoke remains present in the background throughout – very convincing. Finish: Slightly bitter, but the peat balances it well. The wine influences are also presented in a very interesting way. Verdict: I was initially perplexed, then very positively surprised to discover this was a Finlaggan, a distillery I hadn't encountered before. Why isn't this distillery more talked about? It possesses a strong and convincing Islay character, admittedly a bit rougher and less smooth than other Islay whiskies, but by no means inferior. I truly enjoyed this sample. It has minor imperfections, and I wouldn't choose it over a Kilchoman Sanaig or Uigeadail if given the choice, but I wouldn't refuse it if offered, as it's a quite nice Islay representative indeed.

Nose: wine, smoke First taste: spicy, smoky, and salty. Or perhaps the other way around. It's potent enough for a slight kick at the start of the evening but not overwhelming. As you drink more, the dram develops a pastry-like quality on the palate. It becomes sweeter and smoother. Adding a few drops of water brings out a pleasant cherry aroma. The whisky's saltiness increases. Nothing remarkable follows. Finish: like a liqueur with a mild peppery note.

Well-crafted, with peat and fruitiness. Juicy and not harsh; just genuinely good.

The aftertaste resembles the scent left in a wine glass from the previous day.

Sweet, smoky wine-like character; smooth with grape tannins.

Peaty, warming, and smooth.