Finlaggan is one of those names that sparks immediate curiosity among Islay enthusiasts — and no small amount of debate. Released by The Vintage Malt Whisky Company as a mystery Islay single malt, Finlaggan Old Reserve carries no confirmed distillery on its label, which is both its charm and its challenge. The name itself references Finlaggan Castle on Islay, the ancient seat of the Lords of the Isles, and that sense of island heritage runs through every aspect of this bottling's identity. At £42.50, it sits in a price bracket that demands attention, and I think it largely delivers.
What to Expect
This is a no-age-statement Islay single malt bottled at 40% ABV — the standard strength, nothing cask-strength or experimental here. The "Old Reserve" and "Small Batch" designations suggest a degree of curation in vatting, though without transparency on the source distillery, we're left to judge it purely on what's in the glass. And frankly, that's not a bad way to approach any whisky. Strip away the marketing, the distillery tour photographs, the heritage plaques — what does it actually taste like? Finlaggan invites that honest assessment.
As an Islay malt, you should expect the hallmarks of the island's coastal, peat-influenced style. Whether this leans towards the muscular smoke of the south coast or something slightly more restrained will depend on which batch you encounter, but the Islay character is unmistakable. At 40%, the delivery is approachable rather than aggressive — this is not a whisky that sets out to challenge you. It wants to be enjoyed, and there's nothing wrong with that.
The Verdict
I've spent a good deal of time with Finlaggan Old Reserve, and my view is that it represents genuinely solid value for an Islay single malt at this price point. The mystery surrounding its origin is, for some, a drawback — I understand the desire to know exactly which copper pot stills shaped your dram. But I'd argue that blind tasting is the most honest form of whisky assessment, and Finlaggan essentially forces that discipline upon you.
At £42.50, you're paying considerably less than you would for named Islay single malts of comparable quality. The NAS designation means the distiller has prioritised flavour profile over age statement, which is a trade-off I'm increasingly comfortable with across the industry. The 40% ABV is the one area where I'd have liked to see more ambition — even 43% or 46% would give the whisky more room to express itself — but at this price, that feels like a minor quibble rather than a genuine failing.
I'm scoring Finlaggan Old Reserve a 7.6 out of 10. It's a well-made, honest Islay malt that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. For anyone building their understanding of Islay's peated style, or for seasoned drinkers who simply want a reliable weeknight dram without reaching for the top shelf, this is a bottle I'd recommend without hesitation.
Best Served
Pour it neat and give it five minutes to open up in the glass. If the peat feels forward, a small splash of cool water — no more than half a teaspoon — will soften the smoke and let the underlying malt character come through. On a warm evening, a Highball with good soda water and a twist of lemon zest makes this an exceptionally drinkable long serve. Keep it simple. Islay malts at this strength don't need complication.
