hey... finlaggan... is it fresh and crispy... or am i going to wish i'd saved up for laphroaig?

Laphroaig > Bowmore > Finlaggan. Finlaggan is great for a taste of Islay, but it is harsh and edgy, not refined like the better Islays. Bowmore Legend is a better "cheap" islay, IMHO, only $2 more per bottle in my area.

heh. coming from a bourbon background as i do.... and wanting to keep laphroaig 10 yo as my holiday malt.... i think you just convinced me that finlaggan is the day-to-day malt of choice..... but.... i'll have to try it... if it sucks? i'll move on up to bowmore.

cheers! Doc