Kilchoman's Machir Bay is an excellent single malt Scotch whisky from the isle of Islay. The distillers use whisky which has been matured in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry butts, resulting in a well-balanced flavour profile, with highlights of vanilla biscuits, light fruit and wafts of warm peat smoke. A top expression from Islay's farm distillery.
Citrus zests, crumbly vanilla biscuits and layers of elegant peat smoke.
A generous burst of tropical fruit and dried raisin opens the palate. Warming smoke continues to waft playfully.
Sherried fruits and sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
I visited Kilchoman in the summer of 2009 before they produced their first whisky. They sold samplers of 1 and 2 year old raw spirit which were Islay Rocket Fuel at their best. The Machir Bay lives up to this potent legacy with a nose like burnt cookies (I mean that as a compliment) with a saline hint--nothing on Islay is that far from the sea--with a boldly peaty palate that rivals the older Islay distilleries mixed with some fruitiness, ending with this smoky sweet finish, almost like a mild cigar in taste and a lingering smokiness. A wee bit of water softens the blow for those not acquainted with Islay whiskies or those who are willing to give them a try those does not diminish the experience. This dram brings me back to An Taigh Osda and makes me long for Islay. Perhaps Feis Ile in 2017.
Smooth, peaty, and delicious. My favorite out of the calendar, so far. I loved it so much I bought a bottle!
smokey with citrus, also a little bit buttery. the smoke worked well with the other flavors and didn't overpower... this is actually my favorite advent dram so far. Definitely would drink again.
It is for sure pleasant, well balanced between the smoke and the citrus. The vanilla bit is quite interesting and rather original. It reminds me strongly of "smokey Joe", the vanilla on top of it. It is quite a good value for your money but if you can put more there are some stuff around (Lagavulin Distillers Edition, Smokey Joe) with greater complexity.
Loved the fact that this delivered a peaty punch! Well rounded with a vanilla extract aroma. I had it in a dram with a tinny titch of water rounding it out. I highly recommend!
