Finlaggan Eilean Mor Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Bottled by the Glasgow-based 'Vintage Malt Whisky Company Limited' and sourced from an undisclosed Islay distillery, this is one of a series of malts under the 'Finlaggan' label. Translating as 'Fort of the Island' , the brand is named after the ruins of Finlaggan Castle, constructed in the 13th century as the home of The Lord of the Isles and the Clan MacDonald. Presently, the area is an island settlement in the beautiful and secluded Loch Finlaggan in north east Islay. There are two islands, the larger is called Eilean Mòr (large island). If you're a big fan of high phenol Islays, several bloggers have found similarities here to Ardbeg - others Caol Ila. 

Other reviews... Oily Islay with a pleasant if limited disposition. 88.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2022

...The famous Finlaggan NAS has been repackaged – and prices have been raised, naturally. It’s well known that Finlaggan used to be Lagavulin, but is it still that? Colour: straw. Nose: we’re very close to the Dun Naomwhatever, but this one’s a tad gentler, with more cut apples and fresh almonds, plus a wee medicinal side (mercurochrome). It wouldn’t surprise me if someone said this is Caol Ila. Mouth: it does roar and bite, but it’s soon to calm down. Apples, tangerines, grapefruits, salted butter, and a relatively light smoke. A little agave syrup, a little lemon. Finish: medium, clean, mildly ashy and tarry, with a feeling of margarita in the aftertaste. A margarita made with a great mezcal! Comments: all good, all good. Rather less fat than Lagavulin, I’d say, but I could be wrong, of course. 85 points - whiskyfun.com