Kilchoman Small Batch Release 2013 58.2% (Kilchoman Distillery)

• 58.2% ABV, ~£60 for 70cl
• Score: 87/100

What they say:

Kilchoman only produce just over 100,000 litres of spirit a year so when they release a small batch of whisky you know the numbers are limited. This has been matured in both ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks.

Colour: Golden Amber.
Nose: Strong vanilla with citrus fruits, caramelised brown sugar and sultanas.
Palate: Sweet toffee up front with a hint of marmalade, dryness and a long peaty finish.
Finish: Long and clean with rich smoke and dried fruit.

What I say:

This small batch release from Kilchoman is essentially a cask strength version of the Machir Bay expression. Bottled at 58.2% ABV it has been matured in 3 1st fill Buffalo Trace bourbon casks before an 8 week finish in Oloroso Sherry casks. James explained how in the beginning they had experimented at Kilchoman with a variety of bourbon casks, but ex Buffalo Trace casks gave them the required maturation with a high uniformity. Kilchoman now buy and ship BT casks whole from the US for use in their maturation programme. The result is spectacular and would have been awarded best whisky of the tasting if James hadn’t pulled out the final sample…

Colour:

Amber gold

Nose:

Delicate vanilla, rose and lemon Turkish delight

Palate:

Fruity, vanilla, butterscotch, crème brulee and caramelised Demerara sugar

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