Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky
After some IT issues I’ve finally got a chance to blog my thoughts on Kilchoman’s first limited edition release for the year: Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky!
The Madeira Cask Matured limited edition was distilled in May 2016 and matured for 5 years and 3 months in 46 fresh madeira hogsheads, before being bottled at 50% abv.
Kilchoman had planned to release this in late 2021 however a bottle shortage meant that it was delayed. But now the wait is over and the Madeira Cask Matured will be available from Kilchoman stockists around the world! (See below)
Kilchoman really lends itself to maturation in fortified wine casks. The rich fruity character of the casks balances nicely with the creamy citrus sweetness of our new spirit. My preference when using wine casks has always been to use fresh first fill barrels with a view to bottling the whisky relatively young.
This approach means the lighter clean flavours and fresh maritime peat smoke aren’t overwhelmed by the cask influence.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder
Kilchoman Distillery
Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)
So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …
Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Whisky (50%)
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Nose: Rich, sweet peat with morish smokehouse savouriness. I’m also picking up sherry with hints of port, toffee and black treacle.
Palate: Sweet sherry, port, stewed fruits coupled with gloriously smokey flavours. Then you can add in some tangy peat with wisps of burnt wood with chocolate coming along later. Finish: A lovely sweet, spicy finish with dark treacle and liquorice. The spice gradually builds ending with some tobacco dryness Overall: A luscious, tasty tastebud treat that doesn’t disappoint! Worth an investment though some merchants might have sold out by now. |
A luscious, tasty tastebud treat that doesn’t dissapoint!
Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-
Many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me the sample!
About Kilchoman
Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.
Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this.
Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:
– KilchomanÕs exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
– In 2016 both core expressions won major awards with Sanaig named Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky Ð no age statement at the IWSC and Machir Bay came first as Best Islay Single Malt Scotch in the International Whisky Competition.
– Machir Bay was also awarded a Gold Medal in 2015 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) with Loch Gorm being awarded a Silver Outstanding Medal and 100% Islay a Silver at the prestigious awards.
– Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.
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