Finlaggan The Original Peaty

Can you guess where this Islay beauty is from? Don’t bother, that’s not even the point. The point is in the flavor.

The Vintage Malt Company is based in Glasgow, Scotland. They were founded in 1992 by Brian Crook and have the unique talent of finding good deals on hidden casks and extra production lots. They find orphan casks — even a single barrel — and cut a deal to bottle it up as a special release. Sometimes under one of their brands, sometimes wrapped in mystery completely. They even have a way for individuals just happen to have a cask of the good stuff to sell it on the QT. The point is that they were voted the best independent bottler a few years ago for good reason.

Finlaggan is one of their house brands of Single Malt Islay Whisky and it is available in three strengths. It is a core offering, so Finlaggen has cut a long-term deal to gain access to a consistent flow of this superior Single Malt. Which distillery is the source? They won’t say. The names Lagavulin, Caol Ila, and Laphroaig have been thrown around, but nobody actually knows.

Finlaggan Original Peaty is, you guessed it, wonderfully peaty both on the nose and the palate. Creamy with earthy notes, smoked fish and sweet malt, an experienced palate will find some fruity hints as well. Bottled at 80 proof, this Single Malt is rich, round, and full-bodied with a long, luxurious finish. A dram worthy of special occasions that won’t break the bank.