Islay Whisky — Malthound

Sampling The New Kilchoman Batch Strength Islay Whisky – A Gentle Giant!

April 19, 2024 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman Batch Strength!

Kilchoman launch a new Core Range Release –
Batch Strength!

Batch Strength possesses all the character that typifies a classic Kilchoman; fresh, vibrant peat smoke, citrus sweetness and a balance of fruit and spices.

However, with the influence of re-charred red wine casks, there is an abundance of red fruits and caramel, and at 57% vol. rather than the standard 46%, it has a weight and power that makes you stand up and take notice!

At 57% Batch Strength is a giant of a dram. It has a raw intensity, that I love!

But importantly, that power is balanced by a delicacy and finesse that speaks for the quality of our production processes in the stillhouse and also the quality of casks used for maturation.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

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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 Batch Strength! (57% – 50PPM)

Nose: The classic rich, smokey peat of a Kilchoman with a hint of sweetness but there’s also fruits and growing creamy toffee caramel together with hints of black coffee. Considering it’s ABV this dram is very kind to the nose!

Palate: Rich and heavy with smoke, peat and antiseptic flavours together with the addition of sweet, creamy toffee coming along a little later – with surprisingly, shades of mint!

Finish: A very smooth finish with ginger, pepper spice and added salt.

Overall: Certainly a dram to be added to your ‘Buy & Try’ list and one of the kindest of the high ABV’s I’ve ever had the pleasure to sample – it ticks A LOT of boxes. Savoury, smokey, sweet, creamy and fruity.

In short: A GIANT!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me this dram!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a family run business established by Anthony and Kathy Wills in 2005.Ê As the business expanded, the husband and wife team were joined by their three sons; James, George and Peter.Ê

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman was the first new distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years. Anthony Wills set out to resurrect the grass roots tradition of farm distilling. Our 100% Islay range represents the revival of those traditions, standing alone as IslayÕs only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

“Our range of single malts balance maritime peat smoke and crisp citrus sweetness with layers of cooked fruits and rich spices.”

2023 Awards

◼ The San Francisco World Spirits 2023 Ð Sanaig received the prestigious ÔDouble GoldÕ while Machir Bay was also awarded Gold

◼ The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 and The Sprits Challenge 2023 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals

Kilchoman Whisky to launch their first ever UK wide cocktail competition!

April 11, 2024 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman to launch their first ever UK wide cocktail competition!

Kilchoman Distillery are delighted to announce the launch of their first ever UK wide cocktail competition!

The finale will be held on Islay in September!

To celebrate the launch of their new whisky expression –Batch Strength, the farm distillery has come up with an exciting challenge for UK bartenders.

“Shake the Farm” will see candidates compete to win an all-expenses paid four-day hands-on apprenticeship at the distillery on Islay and the opportunity for the overall winner to select an exclusive single cask bottling (and to take six bottles of it home with them).

The concept follows Kilchoman’s ethos by asking participating bartenders to create a cocktail that showcases both Kilchoman Batch Strength whisky and a British farmed or foraged ingredient.

The competition will take place in different stages with three heats across the UK and a finale held on Islay in September.

The competition is open to all bartenders across the UK.

Entry form here

For more information, have a look directly on their website:

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Sampling The Kilchoman Landmark 16 Year Old Whisky – The Years Have Been Good To This Dram!

November 22, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Kilchoman 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky!

Kilchoman has launched their oldest global bottling to date – the Kilchoman 16 Years Old!

A marriage of both ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks …

This is a proud moment for all at the distillery as they release their oldest global bottling to date. A combination of 21 casks have been maturing for over 16 years, predominantly ex-bourbon barrels with a hint of ex-oloroso sherry, creating a perfectly balanced single malt.

With a marriage of both ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, this release showcases how the recognised Kilchoman flavours and character has developed over the last 16 years of maturation.

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder, & Robin Bignal, Production Manager, have spent the last few years keeping a close eye on these early casks, waiting for the right moment to vat them together and form this momentous Kilchoman 16 Years Old.

A proud moment for all at the distillery as they release their oldest global bottling to date!

This is a landmark release for the distillery, the oldest global bottling we have done to date at 16 years of age.

I look forward to Kilchoman fans around the world tasting this outstanding whisky and experience the evolving character of our single malt.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

The Kilchoman 16 Years Old is available from Kilchoman stockists now.

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 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (50%)

21 Cask Vatting
50 PPM Heavily Peated

The last few years have been spent keeping a close eye on early casks to produce this 16 Year Old!

Nose: Smokey aromas with sweet ginger cake luscious fruits, savoury peat, dusky rooms and creamy vanilla and citrus.

Palate: Strong sweetness and equally strong savouriness with smokehouse peat, toffee apples, wisps of burning embers and growing antiseptic.

Finish: Intense, spicy pepper and chilli with some dryness at the end.

Overall: Truly a warming chest-rub of a dram! Love the fruity palate, the robust ABV and, of course, those fantastic smokehouse flavours – 16 years have been good to this dram!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me this dram!

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay, Scotland. 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.

Their 100% Islay range is Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It represents the revival of traditional farm distilling – growing our own barley before malting, distilling, maturing and bottling every bottle of our 100% Islay range on site.

In The San Francisco World Spirits 2023, Sanaig received the prestigious ‘Double Gold’

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.

2023 Awards

◼ The San Francisco World Spirits 2023 – Sanaig received the prestigious ‘Double Gold’ while Machir Bay was also awarded Gold

◼ The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 and The Sprits Challenge 2023 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals

Sampling The Kilchoman ‘2023 PX Sherry Cask’ Whisky – Their First Limited Edition To Be Fully Matured In Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks!

October 31, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman 2023 PX Sherry Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky!

Kilchoman have launched their first limited edition Whisky to be fully matured in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks!

The 2023 PX Sherry Cask Matured release has been fully matured for a minimum of five years in Pedro Ximénez casks previously used by Bodega José y Miguel Martin.

Heavily Peated!

Kilchoman last released a PX influence bottling in 2021, a combination of full maturation and finished casks, the 2023 edition is exclusively made up of full maturation casks.

The 2023 PX Sherry Cask Matured release is our first limited edition to be fully matured in PX casks. Some might consider five years to be short maturation, but these PX hogsheads give such a rich and sweet character, shorter maturation is the only option to maintain a good balance of flavour.

Here, the citrus sweetness and peat smoke of our spirit balance beautifully with the PX character to create a multi-dimensional whisky, rich and sweet with hints of light citrus sweetness and waves of maritime peat smoke.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

The 2023 PX Sherry Cask Matured release is our first limited edition to be fully matured in PX casks

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 2023 PX Sherry Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (50%)

61 Cask vatting
23,000 bottles
50% ABV
50 PPM Heavily Peated

Nose: There’s some lovely smokehouse aromas here with sweet, fruity peat, liquorice and seaside saltiness.

Palate: Intense fruity sweetness, dark chocolate, creamy coffee and peaty smoke – Yummy!

Finish: Oak smoke spice with lots of pepper, antiseptic and tobacco dryness.

Overall: Some deep, intense flavours abound with this dram with attractive, fruity sweetness and spicy pepper providing opposite sides of an ever-present smokey peat. The result is a lovely, well balanced teste.

This dram gets better and better the longer it stays in the glass and the longer you spend time with it – so allow it some breathing space – it will reward you greatly!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me this dram!

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Distillers One of One Auction

Kilchoman Distillery recently took part in the Distillers One of One Auction for the second time. A bottle, “Cask No.1”, from the first cask the distillery ever filled, offered a unique opportunity to own a remarkable piece of Kilchoman history and sold for a total of £15,000.

“Cask No.1”

Presented in an etched glass bottle with a bespoke layered wooden box design, representing the distinct landscape surrounding the distillery, the lot also included an accompanying letter of authenticity from Kilchoman Founder, Anthony Wills.

Hammer proceeds of 1.8 million from the 2023 auction will primarily benefit the Distiller’s Charity’s Youth Action Fund, which aims to transform the lives of young people in Scotland aged between 16 and 25, by helping them to develop knowledge, confidence, resilience, and skills.

The result means that the first two Distillers One of One Auctions have raised a combined total of £4.2m for charity and Kilchoman are delighted to have been able to participate in both.

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay, Scotland. 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.

Their 100% Islay range is Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It represents the revival of traditional farm distilling – growing our own barley before malting, distilling, maturing and bottling every bottle of our 100% Islay range on site.

In The San Francisco World Spirits 2023, Sanaig received the prestigious ‘Double Gold’

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.

2023 Awards

◼ The San Francisco World Spirits 2023 – Sanaig received the prestigious ‘Double Gold’ while Machir Bay was also awarded Gold

◼ The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters 2023 and The Sprits Challenge 2023 – Machir Bay and Sanaig were both awarded Gold Medals

Sampling The Kilchoman Islay 13th Edition – A Whisky With The Sweet Taste Of Smoke!

September 25, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman 100% Islay 13th Edition

Kilchoman has launched it’s 100% Islay 13th Edition, Single Farm Single Malt Whisky!

The 13th Edition is the first release since 2019 where only solely bourbon barrels were used

The 100% Islay 13th Edition was distilled from barley grown on the farm at Kilchoman in 2012, 2013 and 2014, it was then matured for a minimum of 8 years before 44 bourbon barrels were selected for this year’s release of bottles.

The 13th Edition is the first release since 2019 where I have opted for solely bourbon barrels.

The 44 bourbon barrels that I selected are predominantly fresh casks, this gives the whisky lovely layers of buttery vanilla and caramel flavours which pair beautifully with the citrus sweetness of our spirit.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample of each dram to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 100% Islay 13th Edition (50%)

44 Bourbon barrels
13,000 bottles
20 PPM Lightly peated
BARLEY VARIETY: PUBLICAN HARVESTS: 2012, 2013, 2014

Nose: Sweet n’ smokey with orchard apples, sweet smoke, caramel followed by salty, earthy peat and slight antiseptic.

Palate: Spicy, sweet smokiness with peppery antiseptic and some added fruitiness.

Finish: A smooth, buttery, smokey sweet finish which is finely balanced. This dram has a great selection of flavours and it’s a perfect, smokey dram that’s not too ‘full on’!

The 44 bourbon barrels selected are predominantly fresh casks

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me these drams!

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling The Kilchoman Cognac & Fino Sherry Cask Whiskies!

June 2, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Kilchoman Cognac & Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

Sampling the Kilchoman launch Cognac and Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

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.

In addition, The 2023 limited edition Fino Sherry Cask Matured release is 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.
(You can read the full story on both drams via this link.)

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample of each dram to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Cognac Cask Matured (50%)

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.

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

Nose: A sweet peaty and fruity nose with lots of apple.

Palate: Apple pie with creamy pastry! Sweet peat and moist, oaky earthiness.

Finish: A warming spice (to warm the cockles!), fruity with a little smokey antiseptic that grows with time and then finishing off with tobacco dryness.

Tasting Notes – Fino Sherry Cask Matured (50%)

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

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

Nose: Somewhat reticent on the nose but there’s smokehouse aromas with peat and woodsmoke.

Palate: Sherbet sweetness with toffee and antiseptic flavours.

Finish: Spicy pepper, muted smoke, licorice and dark chocolate.

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me these drams!

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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

Kilchoman Launch Cognac & Fino Sherry Cask Matured Whisky Expressions!

May 12, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

The Kilchoman Cognac & Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

Kilchoman launch Cognac and Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

Cognac Cask Matured

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

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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

Sampling Kilchoman’s “Loch Gorm” 2023 Limited Edition Whisky – Always Different But Always A Classic!

March 27, 2023 by Gary Leave a Comment

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition!

Kilchoman launch Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition!

The vatting has been completed and bottles will be hitting shelves around the world any day now!

Named after the famously dark, peaty loch overlooked by the distillery, the annual Kilchoman Loch Gorm limited edition is their only regular expression matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks.

For the 2023 Edition Anthony and Robin selected a total of 22 casks, distilled for a minimum of 8 years.

For the 2023 Edition a total of 22 casks were selected & distilled for a minimum of 8 years

Each cask was chosen for its unique flavour profile which, when combined together with the other 21 casks, create a beautiful balance of rich fruity character with layers of classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus sweetness.

Rather than dominating, Loch Gorm’s oloroso maturation works in harmony with the natural character of Kilchoman. The 2023 release has a fantastic spectrum of flavour, from rich spices and macerated peaches to fresh citrus, ginger, orange zest and waves of salty peat smoke.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

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 Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

Nose: Sweet smokey peat in all it’s wonderful glory! Smokey hearths, liquorice and dark cherries.

Palate: Syrupy, dessert fruits mixed with liquid smoke, rich, dark chocolate and slight blackcurrant.

Finish: Tasty, sweet spice with strong black pepper and a dry ashy finish.

Overall: A great addition to the Loch Gorm range – always different each year with a character all it’s own – but also, somehow, the same – if you can even have such a thing!

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me such a quality dram!

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman is a family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay, Scotland. 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.

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

Their 100% Islay range is made entirely from barley grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled on site. Kilchoman remains Islay’s only farm distillery.

Awards
Throughout 2022 Kilchoman received numerous accolades for their core range whiskies.

• The IWSC 2022 competition – Machir Bay scored 98 points and was awarded ‘Gold Outstanding’. 100% Islay 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

Kilchoman Launch ‘Casado’ Single Malt Whisky – Their Autumn Limited Edition Release For 2022!

October 21, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

Casado Single Malt Whisky!

Kilchoman launch Casado, the Autumn Limited Edition Release for 2022!

Experimenting and exploring different flavours throughout the whisky-making process is something Kilchoman is always doing.

ANTHONY WILLS: Founder

In recent years barley variety and yeast influence have been discussed in depth but wood management remains a key part of any single malt.

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director, had the idea to try something out of the norm and purchase 6,000 litre red wine vats at char level 2 and 3, each giving a slightly different impact on the whisky finishing inside, then marrying them together after a longer than usual finish.

The red wine marriage gives the whisky layers of red fruit and spices which complement the vanilla and butterscotch influence of the bourbon barrels beautifully.

– ANTHONY WILLS: Founder

12,900 bottles available!

Tasting Notes:

Nose: An opening note of intense campfire smoke balanced with ripe summer stone fruits; peach, plum and cherry. Deep notes of marzipan become the focus combined with layered maritime notes
Palate: The red wine vatting brings pepper and spice on the first taste. Dry, salty peat smoke sits on the palate, yet fruit notes of apricot and lemon find their way through
Finish: A long finish which brings a hot, spicy character from the marriage in Portuguese red wine vats. Stewed, cooked fruit notes bring a sweet-jam profile providing an on-going sweet-ness that the classic Kilchoman smoke balances beautifully

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Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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.

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:

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

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

– Kilchoman’s 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 – 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.

Sampling Kilchomans’ New 100% Islay 12th Edition – A Moreish Dram For Sure & I Can’t Say I’m Surprised!

September 22, 2022 by Gary Leave a Comment

The 100% Islay 12th Edition

Kilchoman launch 100% Islay 12th Edition, Single Farm Single Malt!

The 100% Islay 12th Edition is now available!

Anthony Wills – Kilchoman Founder

This latest release was distilled from their 2009, 2010 and 2011 barley harvests then matured in 29 bourbon barrels and 6 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 8 years. There’s no doubt that, like previous editions, this will be a popular dram!

It’s a lovely 100% Islay, rich and fruity on the nose then lots of citrus sweetness and tropical fruit on the palate with waves of peat smoke coming through on the finish.

– ANTHONY WILLS: Founder

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 100% Islay, 12th Edition, Single Single Malt Whisky (50%)

BARLEY VARIETY: PUBLICAN HARVESTS: 2011, 2012, 2013

20PPM Heavily Peated.

29 bourbon barrels & 6 oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 8 years.

12,500 bottles released.

Nose: Sweet, salty liquid smoke with attractive fruity peat. Rich, dark chocolate with hints of liquorice and blackcurrant come through a little later – a heady mix!

Palate: Sweet and deeply savoury with rich smokey peat, liquorice and dark chocolate add to the depth and richness.

Finish: Tasty chilli and there’s also an antiseptic peatiness which grows on you, and of course, appetite sharpening salt, sweet smoke!

Overall: A Moreish dram for sure and I can’t say I’m surprised – Kilchoman ALWAYS produces Moreish whisky!

I was a bit surprised about the antiseptic flavours coming through but like another famous brand that has this characteristic it all adds up to a cracking taste and sensory experience!

12,500 bottles released – there’s no doubt this will be a popular dram!

Once again, many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me such a quality dram!

Compare prices for Kilchoman!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

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.

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:

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

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

– Kilchoman’s 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 – 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.

Kilchoman launch a new Core Range Release –Batch Strength!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Batch Strength! (57% – 50PPM)

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Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (50%)

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Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 2023 PX Sherry Cask Matured Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (50%)

Distillers One of One Auction

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Kilchoman has launched it’s 100% Islay 13th Edition, Single Farm Single Malt Whisky!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 100% Islay 13th Edition (50%)

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Sampling the Kilchoman launch Cognac and Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

Tasting Notes – Cognac Cask Matured (50%)

Tasting Notes – Fino Sherry Cask Matured (50%)

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Kilchoman launch Cognac and Fino Sherry Cask Matured Expressions!

Cognac Cask Matured

Fino Sherry Cask Matured

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Kilchoman launch Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition!

The vatting has been completed and bottles will be hitting shelves around the world any day now!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2023 Limited Edition – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

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Kilchoman launch Casado, the Autumn Limited Edition Release for 2022!

Tasting Notes:

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Kilchoman launch 100% Islay 12th Edition, Single Farm Single Malt!

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman 100% Islay, 12th Edition, Single Single Malt Whisky (50%)

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Kilchoman launch a new Core Range Release –
Batch Strength!