Finglassie 8 Year Old 2017/2025 - James Eadie
Nose
The magic of this extraordinary single malt is revealed from the very first sniff. The warm smoke of a campfire envelops the senses like a blanket on a cold autumn evening. Caramel and the delicate scent of cherries dance together, while raisins tell their sweet story.
A hint of neck steak mingles with paprika-like notes and the unexpected charm of baked feta cheese.
Taste
The palate unfolds a rich and full-bodied experience that immediately brings to mind the best whiskies – yes, Lagavulin-esque notes are noticeable. This Lowlander has obviously learned from the great Islay whiskies. The warming effect of the high alcohol content is never intrusive, but blends harmoniously into the voluminous flavour profile.
Dried fruit and candied figs give the whisky an almost Mediterranean sweetness, while light maritime notes evoke distant shores.
Finish
The long-lasting finish is a poem in itself. Spicy notes blend with nutty aromas, while plums and cinnamon write the final chapter of this flavourful story.
Thoughts
This Finglassie 8 Years 2017/2025, with its great concepts, is actually reminiscent of the best whiskies from Islay – and that's saying something for a Lowlander. It's the great blend of sweetness and smoke that makes this youngster so extraordinary. James Eadie has really hit the mark here with his choice of casks and timing.
At around 80 euros, this exceptional whisky is positioned in a price range that offers fair competition to significantly more expensive Lagavulin single casks. Here, you get more whisky for your money – and at a quality that outshines many 20-year-olds.
Rating: 85/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 83 | Sascha: 86)
Value for Money: 4/5 - Good
Preview Image Source: Whiskybase
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ Is the Finglassie 8 Years recommended despite its young age?
👉 The Finglassie 8 Years Old impressively proves that age isn't everything. The combination of the expertise of the InchDairnie distillery, James Eadie's skilful cask management and the high alcohol content of 57.90% ABV creates a complexity that is in no way inferior to significantly older whiskies. The intense variety of aromas and the long-lasting finish speak for themselves.
❓ How does this Lowlander differ from classic Islay whiskies?
👉 Although the Finglassie has 8 years of "Lagavulin-esque notes", it retains its typical Lowland character. It is less aggressively smoky than genuine Islay whiskies, but still offers a wonderful smoky note. The sweetness is more pronounced, the maritime notes more subtle, and the overall composition is more harmonious and accessible – perfect for lovers of both styles.
❓ Should whisky be drunk neat or with water?
👉 When served neat, it reveals its full complexity and power. However, a few drops of water can help to release further aromas.