Glen Fohdry Fion Frangach French Oak Cask Finish

Glen Fohdry Fion Frangach an NAS release from a Total Wine Exclusive branding. This is agreed in French oak and should impact some routines to the dram. As with others, this is non chill filtered and is bottled at 46.1% the NCF should help or retain its flavor, viscosity and character. Color - deep caramel color, Golden brown, for an NAS this is probably due to coloring added Post Barrel. The legs are thin and ring indicating the influence of water added and age potentially being on the younger side. Nose - the nose is particularly weak and requires the nose to be in/on the glass. The nose is sweet fruit, tobacco and malt, not much to be discovered here. Palate - mild smoke, honey, fruit and tobacco and a hint of spice. The front is astringent and requires priming to increase taste, the taste is fairly well separated and you can taste the menthol flavor in the finish. The bite is very unwelcoming but isn’t a deal breaker. Considering its price, it’s a nice entry to a French oak scotch, while the influence is deeply limited by timid smokiness and an light fruit and a short finish it needs repetition for appreciation. For some that may be too tall a task considering the shortcomings. I wouldn’t give a recommendation outside of a shareable campfire dram or a daily Speyside that with a splash of water could become relatively palatable, in most other cases this would be a pass. - The scotch guy

No age statement and that young whisky tastes very fruity. Even with the 47.1 ABV it is still easily drinkable. No complexity to the flavor profile. I’m not sure what French oak did to this. Couldn’t find something new on here that I’ve tasted or smelled before