Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 50%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Pwner: Kilchoman
Average price: € 85.00
Official website: kilchomandistillery.com
Vote: 92/100
An annual edition made only from barley from Islay, as the name suggests, the 2020 edition (the tenth in the series) was produced from the Optic and Publican varieties used for the 2007-2010 spirits.
Matured in thirty-nine ex-Bourbon casks and two ex-Sherry Oloroso casks, which produced 12,400 bottles with a minimum ageing period of nine years.
I wasn’t crazy about the previous year’s edition, but since I trust Kilchoman (almost) completely, I insist and want to try the one from the unfortunate 2020.
Tasting notes
Light gold in the glass.
Gentle and soft peat on the nose, of fruit thrown on the grill where slices of pineapple, apple, peach, plum sizzle, but over time someone comes along and throws in a little bacon, which is always a good idea, right? Toasted cane sugar, liquorice, candied orange and apricot look on smugly, lemon peel, while a drop of aniseed on leather passes by to say hello. A cheerful and well-blended companion, enriching and completing the peaty profile.
The palate is warm and oily, with a good dose of chilli and ginger spreading over tones that are still barbecue-like, here more intense and decisive, where the smoke imbues tropical and other fruits (pineapple, apple, banana, plum, orange), chocolate, liquorice, lemon cream, tamarind. There are also balsamic veins, with impressions of pine needles and resin emerging from time to time. Green tea. The flavours are harmonious and well integrated, with just the right hint of warmth.
The long finish is characterised by the thread of peat, which combines saline and soft impressions, fruity and sweet tones, spices, leather, tobacco… rich and multifaceted.
A complex, layered whisky, yet so harmonious and ‘natural’ that it can be drunk without much thought, suitable both for those looking for a simply satisfying dram and for those who want more depth.
Excellent.