Kilchoman has firmly cemented itself as a member of that most exclusive club of distilleries… a club whose members release whisky which sells out instantaneously.
Now we’re up to the third release of single malt from Kilchoman having had the Inaugural and Autumn 2009 releases (both aged for roughly 3 years and finished for a few months in Oloroso sherry butts).
The distillery (to the very west of Islay) is one of Scotland’s very smallest, producing some 90,000 to 100,000 litres of alcohol per year – the whisky is rare and, by proxy, sure to sell out quickly.
The Spring 2010 release was matured in fresh Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels for 3 years before a finish in what the distillers describe as “very active” Oloroso sherry butts. This was then vatted with another four casks of refill bourbon matured spirit before being brought down to bottling strength with water from the Octofad Farm on the Rhinns of Islay.
And the result…
Kilchoman Spring 2010 Release 46%
Nose: Weighty and strong, just like the Kilchoman we’re used to. The Spring release kicks off with the sort of inimitably muscular peat smoke that only Islay can offer. There is fruitiness too – warm citrus – as well as pine oil, grape and sparkling oak.
Palate: Musty and rich – it’s hard to believe this has just passed its 3rd birthday! Buttery, malty, with tangy slabs of hot Islay peat. Toffee sweetness, oily smoke, fruit conserves, olive brine.
Finish: The intensity comes into its own, as it pretty near explodes with waves of tingling peat, touches of iodine, earthy, musty suggestions of sherry.
Comment: The most fruity Kilchoman yet…
Click here to buy.
- The Chaps at Master of Malt -