Archives for May 12, 2023

The Kilchoman Cognac & Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

Cognac Cask Matured

Kilchoman have welcomed their first ever Cognac cask matured release as part of their 2023 Limited Editions. 32 casks were chosen by Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Robin Bignal, Production Manager, for their exceptional quality.

The Kilchoman spirit was filled into Cognac casks sourced from Tonellerie Bossuet (France) in 2016 and left to age in dunnage warehouses for a minimum of six years.

Nose: An opening note of rich apple and pear forms the structure for this release. Herbaceous fresh fruit begins to make its way as the whisky begins to open. Subtle tones of honey and warming spice develop over time. Peat remains delicate on the nose, bringing a dryness to this release.

Palate: The texture provided by a slow distillation and the influence of the Cognac oak allows for a buttery texture which continues throughout. Dried lemon and apricot combine with cinnamon and nutmeg which are held together by an influence of toasted oak and sweet peat smoke.

Finish: The depth of flavour that the Cognac casks have provided The Kilchoman spirit is unrivalled; dried fruits and marzipan make way to crystallised ginger, balancing sweet and spice. Lingering peat smoke is lightened with the influence of citrus oil making itself known across the palate.

32 CASK VATTING 15,100 BOTTLES 50% ABV 50PPM

The Cognac casks selected for this 2023 release allow our fruit-driven, citrus spirit style to balance with that of the Cognac oak.

There is a delicate balance to be found when working with Cognac casks; keeping the age of this release at a minimum of six years old ensures the flavours from the spirit and the cask are easily detected, neither dominates.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

“There is a delicate balance to be found when working with Cognac casks …” Anthony Wills – Kilchoman Founder

Fino Sherry Cask Matured

The 2023 limited edition Fino Sherry Cask Matured becomes Kilchoman’s second ever release to be matured in ex Fino sherry casks. Anthony and Robin hand-selected a total of 20 Fino Sherry Butts of which the spirit was distilled in 2018.

The Sherry butts were purchased from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin (Spain) for their impeccable standard. Aged for a minimum of five years.

Nose: Elegant, dry peat smoke on the initial nosing, gradually opens to the unmistakable fruity character of Kilchoman. The distinct influence from the Fino Sherry casks provides dry, smoked oak which balances with the smoke found in the heavily peated Kilchoman malt. A lasting aroma of sweet butterscotch as the whisky begins to open.

Palate: Honeycomb sweetness can be found immediately on the palate, gradually giving way to rich toffee and caramel. The Kilchoman spirit brings together candied fruits and the fresh citrus found in the distillation. Flaked almonds and a delicate peat smoke remain throughout.

Finish: Long-lasting considered finish combining the malty spirit of Kilchoman, with the ripened citrus fruit profile provided by the Fino Sherry casks. A subtle peat smoke which has coated the palate right through now shares the finish with hints of dark chocolate.

20 CASK VATTING 15,650 BOTTLES 50% ABV 50PPM

The Fino Sherry maturation works incredibly well with our classic Kilchoman character. The 2023 release elevates the fragrant green apple, stewed fruits and sweet citrus while allowing for the unmistakeable Kilchoman peat smoke to linger on the palate.

Fino is another example of sherry casks working together, not against, our Kilchoman spirit!
– Anthony Wills

“Fino is another example of sherry casks working together, not against, our Kilchoman spirit!” Anthony Wills – Kilchoman Founder

• Compare prices for Kilchoman!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

• The Whisky Exchange
• Master of Malt
• Hard To Find Whisky
• The Whisky Shop

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 Loch Gorm 2022

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.

The 2023 award season is now underway and Kilchoman has already secured awards for both Machir Bay and Sanaig.

◼ San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023 – Machir Bay was awarded a Gold while Sanaig was awarded a Double Gold.

2022 Awards

◼ The IWSC 2022 competition – Machir Bay scored 98 points and was awarded ‘Gold Outstanding’. 100% Islay 12th Edition was also awarded a ‘Gold Award’ and scored 95 points.

◼ The International Spirits Challenge 2022 and The USA Spirits Rating 2022 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals.

◼ The Spirits Business Scotch Masters 2022 – Sanaig received the most prestigious ‘Master Award’ and Machir Bay was awarded Gold