Insider knowledge: Kilchoman Summer 2010 Release whisky is named whisky by virtue of the fact it's from Scotland. If distilled in America the spelling would be Kilchoman Summer 2010 Release whiskey, as opposed to whisky.
Visited Kilchoman Distillery the day this was released in March 2011. Wonderful small Distillery very friendly and charming. This malt is getting better and better and when they come to release a 10 & 15 year old the traditional Islay Distilleries will have real competition. Good luck to all concerned and well done for a great venture.
On the nose - beautiful big fresh oak with that typical acidic/vinegar background. There is some smoke and peat. Very coastal. Taste is initially so much rounder than you would expect from a young whisky, then comes a typical wee harshness, then it all mellows. I love the aftertaste as oak and salt and malt fight it out. Oak wins and lingers, combined with fresh (herby?) sweetness.
Back to my dram and it is now saline leather and some light vanilla tinged sweetness. For £4 this has been a nice wee experience via Drinks by the Dram.