Finlaggan Old Reserve Whisky

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.

Excellent taste for a great value

I do not understand the 1 and 2 star reviews.

You buy a islay and expect a smoke and idione taste with some zilty sea salt..

Yes this bottle brings it all at jist half the price of a ardbeg or talisker or laphroig

4 stars, pricewise very good for sea salty smoke

I've never tasted something so awful in my entire life. I'd rather sip Canadian Club.

Expected better... not great peaty, coarse. Gladly it was a gift. Will not buy this.

Tasted the Finlaggan Old Reserve side-by-side with Lagavulin 8-yo in whisky sniffing glasses. Struggled to really tell them apart in the nose, palate & finish. The Lagavulin comes across as slightly more vibrant & more intense due possibly to its higher alcohol content. A great Islay find at nearly half the price of the Lagavulin!

If you're a peat smoke lover, there's nothing to beat this at the price. If you're not: move on :-)