Origin: Isle of slay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 52.4%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Kilchoman
Average price: € 205.00
Official website: kilchomandistillery.com
The Kilchoman of today has a rather special story. It is the first in a series of single cask whiskies, referred to as sister casks because they were filled and bottled on the same day, personally selected by Anthony Wills to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hanseatische Weinhandelsgesellshaft Bremen, which, besides being a valid tongue twister, is the German importer of Kilchoman: two ex-sherry oloroso 15yo casks, two ex-bourbon 1st fill barrel 13yo, and two 100% Islay ex-bourbon 1st fill barrel 9yo.
The cask of today (#633) and its little sister (#639) were filled with peated new make at 50ppm on December 4, 2008, and were bottled on February 5, 2024. As for the type of wood, to complicate communication, it initially started as a butt, but after 11 years, realizing it was a low-activity cask, the liquid was transferred to a hogshead.
It is only natural that, being an exclusive bottling for the German market, it is almost impossible to find outside the country.
Tasting Notes
The color is amber.
On the nose, the very first impression is so specific that it cannot be elaborated further: grilled red radicchio from Treviso, with its unmistakable bitter background that pairs with notes of charcoal and burnt grass. The contribution of the cask travels quietly in the first part of the olfactory analysis, only to gradually explode: the sensory overturning is initiated by a note of sweet licorice, shortly followed by smoked dates and crème brûlée, and brought to completion by milk chocolate and pastry cream, with a touch of thyme adding a spicy nuance. Anise is on the way to the finish.
On the palate, red orange and caramel fiercely battle for aromatic supremacy, with Treviso radicchio throwing a spanner in the works and a sprinkle of black pepper adding zest. The typical peaty note of Kilchoman fades over the minutes, while the perfect ABV enhances a memory of apricot.
The finale is quite long, warm, spicy, and caramelized, with a mirage of smoke in the background.
Review: The change of cask two-thirds of the way through the maturation process evidently played a decisive role, as the final hogshead left an indelible mark on the result. This may partially disappoint the most unwavering fans of Kilchoman, but it makes this offering unlike any other from the distillery.
Vote: 86/100