Finlaggan 15 Years Old

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 6 by Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Sharp, firm, peaty, dryness. Palate Assertively seaweedy start, almost immediately sliding into a slippery, oily, leaner maltiness then equally suddenly rising to a spicy crescendo. Finish Peppery, but with a complexity of other spices. Comment As a single, it must come from one of the Islay distilleries. Reminds me of Port Ellen, but there is surely not enough stock of that?

Jim Murray Nose Sweet peat and dried dates adds untold riches to the clean malt and oak. High quality stuff. Palate The oak arrives to confront the peat. Result is a complex, spicy battle. Huge intensity with molassed depth countered by seaweedy, briny dryness. Finish Remains massive and long with countless layers of peaty iodine and oak ramming the tastebuds. Comment If you love Islay whisky, especially the south-east coast variety, this is an absolute must.