Editor’s Word: These whiskies have been supplied to us as evaluate samples by Kilchoman. This on no account, per our editorial insurance policies, influenced the ultimate final result of this evaluate. It must also be famous that by clicking the purchase hyperlink in direction of the underside of this evaluate our website receives a small referral fee which helps to assist, however not affect, our editorial and different prices.
There are 9 lively distilleries on Islay, however one of the crucial latest is Kilchoman. It sprang up in 2005 at Rockside Farm on the west facet of the peninsula. Though grain is grown on the farm close to the Rhinns of Islay, the farm can not produce sufficient to fulfill the wants of the distillery. Nonetheless, Kilchoman’s 100% Islay is constructed from Optic and Publican barley varieties from their farm.
Kilchoman is now on the eleventh version of its 100% Islay. Not like some earlier editions, Kilchoman has just lately begun experimenting with maturation in numerous sherry casks together with ex-bourbon barrels. They name it 100% Islay as a result of they boast the whisky is “Scotland’s solely single farm single malt.” Each a part of the method, together with malting, is completed on website.
2022 additionally marks the discharge of the most recent Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured restricted version. The Madeira Cask Matured first debuted in 2015 for Kilchoman’s tenth anniversary. Madeira is a fortified wine and is totally different from sherry. Sherries like Oloroso or fino are usually not heated whereas getting old. Madeira, named for the island it comes from, is heated to supply flavors like roasted nuts, stewed fruit, and toffee.
Each of those whiskies from Kilchoman have an ABV of fifty p.c. The variations between them will after all be the grain origins, but in addition the results the sherry butts and the Madeira hogshead have on the brand new make. If you’re searching for increased phenol components per million in your single malt, the Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured reigns in at 50 ppm versus 20 ppm for the 100% Islay. This yr’s bottling has made 12,000 bottles accessible for the 100% Islay and 17,000 bottles for the Madeira Cask Matured.
I liked the nostril on each the whiskies from Kilchoman, nevertheless, the palates on each have been shocking. To see why I most well-liked the Kilchoman Madeira Cask over the Kilchoman 100% Islay, you’ll be able to learn under.
Kilchoman 100% Islay eleventh Version (picture through Kilchoman)
Tasting Notes: Kilchoman 100% Islay
Very important Stats: 50% ABV. 20 ppm. Islay single malt made with Optic and Publican barley varieties from 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 harvests. Matured in 26 bourbon barrels and seven Oloroso sherry butts for at least 9 years. The eleventh version is restricted to 12,000 bottles. 750ml $125.
Nostril: The aroma brings to thoughts muddied mulch and pungent mountain climbing boots sitting in a nook to dry. The physique is filled with leather-based, like a baseball glove, and saline. It’s smoky with a touch of butterscotch and almond.
Palate: Orange zest and segments with easy syrup greet the tongue first, however what rapidly follows is smoke and soot. The whisky has the style of dust. I can solely describe it as hiding a cigarette inside your mouth in order to not get caught. Sharpie comes alongside on the finish with a scorching chew from the ABV.
Ultimate Ideas: Whereas I really like peated Islay whiskies, particularly once they’re pungent, the Kilchoman 100% Islay 11 Version didn’t please my palate. I don’t thoughts the sootiness or smoke of the whisky, however it’s the Sharpie flavored end and rancid cigarette notes I didn’t discover interesting.
Rating: 3/5
Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured
Very important Stats: 50% ABV. 50 ppm. Islay single malt matured for five years and three months in 46 contemporary Madeira hogsheads. Restricted to 17,000 bottles. 750ml $100.
Nostril: Drunken raisins greet the nostril with gumption. It jogs my memory of scorching buttered rum. There may be a lot of nutmeg and French vanilla. Among the many comfortable earthen smoke is marzipan.
Palate: The sweetness hits, however it’s scorching and spicy. In comparison with the nostril, the whisky is extra grainy like porridge than fruity. The dram begins off gentle and balanced, after which, just like the flick of a lightweight change, it drastically adjustments. Abruptly it’s overpowered by tar, dust, and campfire smoke.
Ultimate Ideas: Whereas I completely love the nostril on the Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured, the overwhelming tar taste units this whisky again. For essentially the most half, the palate is nice till it isn’t. I want the transition of tone and taste was much less drastic than it’s.
Rating: 3.5/5
