The source of Finlaggan has remained a very closely guarded secret. To tell the true origin of Old Reserve you'll simply have to taste it and find out!
Slightly medicinal nose with hints of peanut, sticking plasters, manuka honey and digestive biscuits.
Sweet cereals, barley malt, a little peat smoke, TCP, nutmeg and ginger.
A long, sweet finish with toasty oak and peppermint.
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the bad reviews are by people who look at the price and think it can't be an awesome scotch. in other words they know nothing. Yes its true a 100.00 bottle of Lagavulin is definitely better but that doesn't take away from the fact that this scotch gets a passing grade with flying colors. A solid B.
This cheap version of an Islay malt is worth about what you pay. It tastes young and weak compared to the greats. If you want a great smoky malt, you won’t find it here. If you want a cheap tasting single malt for the price, this is your drink.
Bottling from 03.2022 It's clearly a young Bowmore from leeched casks. Very faint nose, weak palate, short finish. Wet cardboard and newspaper. Even McClelland's Islay (which is also Bowmore) is better than this!
Tasted a freshly-opened bottling from 03.2022. This is clearly a young Bowmore from leeched casks. It's probably the worst Islay malt I have tried so far. Even McClelland's Islay is better than this, which is also a Bowmore btw. Avoid this one!
I am cracking up at all the negative reviews by people who didn't expect an Islay whisky. One even complains about it smelling like smoked ham... yes, that was the goal. For those going in blind: this is an Islay scotch, so expect peat smoke, brine, malt, and some band-aid/iodine flavor. For those already accustomed to Islay: no, this can't compete fully with the leading brands at higher proofs, but it is a pretty amazing find for $19 at Trader Joes. It tastes over twice its price. The peat is there, but softer and less dry than it often is in peated whiskies. The dominant note is the sweet malt which presents as a maraschino cherry (often found in Highland Park) and spiced holiday cranberry sauce. If you like Islay and want something inexpensive but reliable, give this a shot. If you're looking for bourbon or unpeated scotch, this won't be for you.
