The undisclosed Islay malt Finlaggan released a limited edition vintage distillation for Feis Ile 2016. It was only available at The Islay Whisky Shop in Bowmore during the festival.
Rumour has it that The Vintage Malt Whisky Co uses mainly Lagavulin, but also Caol Ila or Laphroaig casks to create their Finlaggan whiskies.
Finlaggan 2006 (50%, OB for Feis Ile 2016, single hogshead, 350 btl.)
Finlaggan 2006 (50%, OB for Feis Ile 2016, single hogshead, 350 btl.)Nose: quite pungent and incisive, with lots of iodine, seashells and saline peat. Nice camphor. It opens up nicely, with some citrusy hints. and a good dose of malty notes. A bit of liquorice.
Mouth: a short sweetish note but quickly overtaken by brine, herbs and carbolic notes. Sweet lemon and apple. Oat cookies. Peat lovers delight. Liquorice again, some leather. Just a hint of chocolate towards the end.
Finish: long, warmer than the palate, with lots of oak char and smoked kippers. A salty aftertaste.
Very good – somewhere in between the youth of a Lagavulin 8 Years and the powerhouse Lagavulin 12 Years. Around € 70 at the festival which makes it good value.
Score: 87/100