Laird of Fintry Single Malt Cask Strength

This limited single malt from Okanagan Spirits, a craft distillery in British Columbia, is bottled at 56% ABV and displays a rich, dark amber color. It was initially aged in American white oak before being finished in local Foch wine barrels. Both the initial nose and palate were assessed at cask strength, followed by a tasting after dilution to approximately 47% ABV. Nose: Overripe fruits like plums and grapes are immediately prominent. Concentrated flavors reminiscent of sun-dried raisins and apricots also emerge. The influence of the Foch barrel finishing is evident in the presence of wine tannins, along with a subtle hint of vanilla custard. This combination creates an aroma akin to spiced raisin bread pudding. Despite the relatively high alcohol content, the ethanol vapors are subdued by the other aromas. Adding water has minimal impact on the nose, with the wine and raisin notes remaining forward, although it does subtly accentuate the underlying caramel and vanilla. Palate: The initial sip is intensely hot due to the ethanol, with the fruit flavors struggling to emerge. Subsequent sips allow the tannic wine notes to dominate, interacting with the slightly bitter malt. This creates a very pleasing harmony between the two. In contrast to the nose, dilution significantly alters the palate. The tannic wine flavors become more mellow, allowing the excellent malt character to come to the forefront. Additional spices also appear, with hints of cinnamon and a note reminiscent of cardamom, presenting a truly complex flavor profile. Finish: The finish is of medium length, with the tannins being the most persistent element. A slightly longer finish would be desirable. Adding water does not improve the finish and slightly thins it out. A mild numbing and tingling sensation is left on the sides of the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Overall: This is a very good and intriguing whisky. The Foch barrel finish imparts a complexity that distinguishes it from other single malts and is a welcome addition. Due to its limited release, even within British Columbia, opportunities to sample it may be scarce. However, I encourage exploration of future releases from this distillery.

Laird of Fintry, the flagship spirit from Okanagan distillery in Canada's prime wine region (yes, Canadian wine is a real thing!). I'm writing this from my home in Kelowna, so this acclaimed whisky is from the local team. It has a rich, deep orange color and a nose of dried apricots, evoking the region's other major crop. At 56% alcohol, it's potent and leaves viscous trails on the glass. The initial taste, without dilution, is vivid, sweet, and fruity – a true cascade of honey and stone fruit, ending with a pleasant long almond finish, though it might be a bit too sweet. Adding a splash of water tempers the sweetness, bringing out notes of red licorice, marmalade, and beeswax. This whisky reminds me of Glenmorangie's Nectar D'Or, but is even more dessert-focused. It's quite unlike most Canadian drams, which tend to be spicy and heavy on rye, leaning more toward a sweet, high-corn American whisky like JD. If you enjoy Gewürztraminer or ice wine, you'll appreciate this – and I certainly do!

Quite pleasant. Not overly strong; I enjoy drinking this neat. The palate is awash with fruit and honey. Very good.

Sharp and potent, which overpowers some of the typical Laird character.