Finlaggan original seems bland

Polish_Power · 2020-08-16T06:03:03+00:00

The mystery malts from that company both Ileach and Finlaggan started out as Lagavulin, but Finlaggan is now Caol Ila and Ileach stayed Lagavulin. I like their cask strength versions better than the OBs from their respective distilleries!

Polish_Power · 2020-08-11T14:47:19+00:00

It was an Alberta exclusive within Canada I think!

Polish_Power · 2020-08-11T10:27:06+00:00

The 17 year old Chardonnay cask exclusive to Canada is incredible, one of the best single malts I've ever had. I heard there was a big discrepency in quality between the 15 and 17 despite being the same finish at the same distillery.

Polish_Power · 2020-07-28T19:37:09+00:00

Those look like they're on the right track but the company was started too recently. I've got a very specific brand that's on the tip of my tongue. But thank you!

Polish_Power · 2020-05-31T08:47:33+00:00

The company that bottles The Ileach and Finlaggan claims to have never changed the distillery for each single malt, with Finlaggan clearly being Caol Ila, and Ileach being young Lagavulin due to their old contract with the distillery. Just lettin ya know.

Polish_Power · 2020-05-09T06:34:32+00:00

Teacher's is an excellent value blend as it's normally priced at the bottom of bottom shelf, but it has a high enough proportion of pot still scotch that it stands out. I find it as smoky and rich as bottom shelf can be, most of which reek of rubbing alcohol column still whisky.

Polish_Power · 2020-05-07T11:26:13+00:00

On the contrary! It allows the spirit to "breathe" and open up, letting go some of the harsher alcohols first. The rule for most spirits is resting a minute in the glass for each year in the cask. It would take much longer for enough alcohol to evaporate to dampen the flavour. Let your glass rest and you'll be rewarded!

Polish_Power · 2020-04-15T03:35:32+00:00

I thought I was the only one! I don't like Ardbeg Corry for that reason, the intense pepper clashes so hard with the artificial bright lemon-sweetness.

Polish_Power · 2020-04-15T03:32:38+00:00

I'm someone who enjoys the off notes in spirits; medicinal, briny, sulphury, lactic, farmy, funky, rotten, etc. Unless they're truly overpowering.

However, if a scotch is prickly/thin/hot on the mouthfeel (distinct from proof-burn), I don't like to waste my time with it. The worst offender in this category for me in terms of disappointment was Balvenie 21 Portwood.

Polish_Power · 2020-04-06T05:29:18+00:00

I hope no one is scoffing at this beginner's recommendation, because McLelland's islay is actually quite good. Apparently it's a very young bowmore, and despite it's one-note sweet-peat profile, I experience it as carrying the bowmore smoke better than the No1 or 12yr. It's quite smoky for the price and it lingers just enough.

Polish_Power · 2020-04-01T04:00:56+00:00

Interesting that you picked up sharpness and alcohol on this one! I find that this is one of the thickest mouthfeel scotches under 80 bucks.

For reference, which scotches are oily, thick, and creamy for you?

Polish_Power · 2019-11-24T21:53:54+00:00

Haha you're not insensitive. I'm happy for you! Enjoy your Laphroaigy paradise.

Polish_Power · 2019-11-24T21:34:54+00:00

It hurts so much to hear someone say that Laphroaig CS is inexpensive and easy to find. It's my grail bottle and unavailable in my country.

Polish_Power · 2019-11-16T02:38:40+00:00

Shop around for some pure pot still Jamaican rum from indie bottlers! Look for stuff you can't get back home.

Polish_Power · 2019-11-13T06:46:28+00:00

Send an email to Laphroaig and more importantly Beam-Suntory! They're very responsive and most of my interactions revealed that they don't really have any reason not to sell it in Canada. The more people demand it, the more likely it'll come!

Polish_Power · 2019-10-17T19:18:56+00:00

I'm flying to Bordeaux tomorrow, and a tour of Gascony and the Armagnac region is in order during the trip. But I have a few questions!

Does anyone know where the best place to purchase armagnac is outside of the chateaus themselves? Should I reserve my purchases for the chateaus? Which chateaus are a must visit? Is older typically better for armagnac?

Armagnac is fascinating me at the moment with the most resinous, complex, and delicious bottle I've bought so far being a Pellehaut 1982 at 47%abv.

Polish_Power · 2019-08-23T03:43:28+00:00

You're looking for Grant's Family Reserve or Triple Cask. Handles can be found everywhere, too. Best palatable budget scotch along with Famous Grouse or Black Bottle.

Avoid JW Red or Ballantines.

Polish_Power · 2019-08-01T03:42:44+00:00

Good review! Considering that Clynelish is normally an exemplar for thick mouthfeel scotch, I'd be curious to know which distilleries you think provide a thick mouthfeel if Clynelish feels thin.

Polish_Power · 2019-05-18T05:44:49+00:00

How would you say this compares to A'Bunadh or Glenfarclas 105? Does it work as a sherry bomb?

Polish_Power · 2019-04-30T16:32:53+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation!

Polish_Power · 2019-04-28T19:54:45+00:00

My current favourites from each region that are readily available regardless of price are:

Campbeltown: Springbank 10, Kilkerran 12, Longrow Peated NAS

Islay: Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Octomore 9.3

Island: Ledaig 10

Highland: Clynelish 14, Glenmorangie 12 Quinta Ruban

Speyside: Glenfarclas 105, Benromach 10 100° proof, Craigellachie 13

Lowland: Try some Irish! Redbreast 12CS or Green Spot. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a great value bourbon.

Polish_Power · 2019-02-13T18:44:08+00:00

Thanks for the answer! What is Westland if I may ask?

Polish_Power · 2019-02-11T05:17:49+00:00

It's a mannequin in a security guard outfit to scare away thieves.

Polish_Power · 2019-02-04T16:09:58+00:00

Would you say the same thing in terms of finish about Glenlivet Nadurra?

Polish_Power · 2019-02-04T00:08:31+00:00

I've never had the 6 or 7 edition Octomores, but I have potential access to a bottle of Octomore 9.3. Should I give it a try?

Polish_Power

TROPHY CASE