Single Malt
Scotland
1 Jan 2008
1 Jan 2015
A very special Kilchoman release - their first ever 7 year old! Distilled in July 2008, it was matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels up until August 2015 when this limited vintage vatting was bottled at 46% abv.
This bottle was part of a private collection and will show signs of wear if of a certain vintage - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
We're in familiar territory here, golden barley, integrated peat, toffees and lemon peel.
Sweet vanilla and cocoa butter with wisps of smoke give way to greater fruitiness than has perhaps often been seen from Kilchoman, blueberries and apricot pieces.
Creamy and fruity, with soft peat too, naturally.
Perhaps an indication of what's to come from this relatively young Islay distillery, which already has a large and well-deserved following.
This one completely knocked me off my feet. Metaphorically that was. I had my share of peated juice in the past. Sweet, earthy, tarry. I have heard and read how some could derive campbfire smoke and charcoal but I never experienced it until now. This one is prove that young whiskies can take on a challenge. It’s fresh, speysidish and marine topped with the smell and taste of wooden smoke, charcoal and ash as well as iodine. The alcohol does present itself in the nose and in the mouth bringing a nice, warming sensation to a summer whisky. This just does it for me. It’s pricy though.
I have tried Loch Gorm, Machir Bay, Sanaig and the 2008 Vintage from Kilchoman so far and I find the 2008 is my favorite. I have enjoyed them all but this one seems to have a better balance. There is a lovely barley note to it with a well balanced smokey character. It is fresh and easy drinking, especially on a hot day.
This is a pretty awesome scotch. Smoky nose, and great smoke flavor. Tastes clear and smoky. Just a little bit of burn on the finish. I think this will be even better when it has had 10 or 12 years to age. I was a little disappointed with the Kilchoman Machir Bay, so I was pleasantly surprised to find I really liked this. Not as rich or complex as Ardbeg Oogie or Lagavulin 16, but I might like this more.
