Finlaggan Eilean Mor / Small Batch

We know that Finlaggan is a single malt from Islay, but which one? I have been told that they have already bottled Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Caol Ila. I wonder what this Eilean Mor has on offer. Does anyone know what the name refers to? The only reference that I could find was a story about the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers on the Flannan Isles, all the way in the north – even further north than Lewis. So what is the link with Islay?

The nose is a tad umami. I get mashed patatoes, hazel nuts, salted caramel, roast beef and some sweet peat. After a few moments some play-doh, a bit of sugar and a hint of dark fruit. A weird combo. But it does seem to work. I’m not yet sure whether to like it or hate it, even after nosing for 15 minutes.

Ouch… the palate is a letdown. After the initial – albeit very short – burst of sweetness, it turns bitter very quickly. Loads of tannins, woodspice and peat, but nothing else. This is also fairly young, I’d say. That does not have to be bad, obviously. But this lacks complexity and balance. Quite sharp in fact.

The finish is medium long, smoky with a hint of menthol. It leaves the mouth semi-dry.

Not my cuppa – full stop.

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