Kilchoman 2007 Vintage ~ 46% (Kilchoman Distillery)

• 46% ABV, £51.60 for 70cl
• Score: 86/100

What they say:

The 2007 Vintage is the latest release in the Vintages range. We have previously released the 2006 Vintage which was a vatting of five year old bourbon barrels. The 2007 Vintage is a vatting of six year old fresh bourbon barrels and is the oldest single malt we have released to date.

Colour: light beech darkening with age
Nose: smoky vanilla and caramel notes with cooked fruits, lemon and citrus
Palate: butterscotch and soft citrus fruit with a lasting sweetness
Finish: peaty and fruity with a long lingering sweetness

What I say:

The 2007 Vintage is the latest release in the Vintages range. They have previously released the 2006 Vintage which was a vatting of five year old bourbon barrels. The 2007 Vintage is a vatting of six year old fresh bourbon barrels and is the oldest single malt they have released to date. James also suggested a couple of refill bourbon barrels may well have inadvertently made their way into this vintage in the confusion during vatting…

Colour:

Refractive gold

Nose:

Cereal, vanilla, hay, malted barley, wheat, oats and golden syrup

Palate:

Smooth creamy vanilla, white grape juice and crisp green apples (reminiscent of old Bunnahabhain’s I have tried)

Finish:

Long, sweet vanilla and coconut

Originally sampled at Water of Life Society 17/04/2014 – Kilchoman