Malthound

Whisky & Spirits Blog | Compare Buy Enjoy

You are here: Home / Archives for Islay

Sampling Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm 2021 – A ‘Jack Of All Flavours’ – And A Master Of All Of Them!

by Leave a Comment

The Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2021!

The hotly anticipated Loch Gorm 2021 from Kilchoman Distillery has once again had its annual release!

Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighbouring the distillery, Loch Gorm is their only annual limited edition matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks.

Year on year the vatting of Loch Gorm subtly changes (and sometimes not so subtly), in age, colour and character. 

The 2021 edition is a vatting of 24 oloroso sherry butts filled in 2011 and 2012

The 2021 edition is a vatting of 24 oloroso sherry butts filled in 2011 and 2012. These large 500 litre sherry butts have been sourced from Bodega Miguel Martin in Spain and filled with Kilchoman spirit peated to 50ppm.

Once these casks had been matured for a minimum of 9 years, they were then vatted together and bottled at 46% abv, resulting in 17,000 bottles being made available to Kilchoman fans around the world. 

Although we have always filled the bulk of our spirit into ex-bourbon barrels, the Loch Gorm releases have shown how well our peated Islay spirit can combine with sherry casks, something that’s not always an easy task.

Rich bold flavours with a breadth, depth and balance of character that sets it apart, the 2021 edition is packed with juicy fruit, macerated lemon and sweet chargrilled BBQ smoke.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Master Distiller

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2021 retails in the £69.95+ range.

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 2021 Islay Whisky (46%)

Nose: Rich, smokey, peaty nose with smooth sherry. Then along comes some apple and vanilla with buttery biscuit. The peatiness fades away after a time to be replaced by lemon creams and fruit cake – delightful!

Palate: Sweet, thick, plump fruits with sweet spices including cinnamon. Add in some lemon citrus and dark chocolate and you have a gorgeous palate right there!

Finish: Strong black pepper, sweet liquorice, smokey polish finishing with a dry peat, smoke finish.

Overall: A cracking dram and I love it! Rich flavours abound and I can’t fault it. This whisky is a ‘Jack of all flavours’ – and it’s the Master of all of them!

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.

Tweet Tasting Bowmore’s Whiskies – ‘Timeless’ – But (With Drams This Good) How Can We Live Normal Lives Now?!

by Leave a Comment

Bowmore – Legendary, Timeless!

I was lucky enough to take part in the recent Bowmore ‘Timeless’ @TweetTastings – and it was truly Legendary!

Once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire, we were also joined on the night by David Turner, Distillery Manager at Bowmore, who imparted his wisdom!

The malts sampled were:-

  • Bowmore 12 Years Old
  • Bowmore 15 Years Old
  • Bowmore 18 Years Old
  • Bowmore ‘Timeless Series’ 27 Years Old
  • Bowmore ‘Timeless Series’ 31 Years Old

Bowmore was the first licensed Islay distillery, and has stood on the shores of Lochindaal, a sea loch opening out into the wild Atlantic Ocean, since 1779.

The distillery still operates in traditional ways, honouring the origin whisky-making techniques, refining their craft for over 240 years.

Bowmore uses the soft fresh water from the nearby River Laggan, barley malted in their proprietary malt barns and perfectly-timed fermentation periods with a cocktail of cultivated yeast to produce their single malt.

The Malt Barns are hand crafted, the tradition has been handed down through generations. It’s an art of time, turning the Barley by hand for 7 days. The tropical fruits Bowmore is well known for start out in the Malt Barns and get carried through the process to the whisky.

The Mash is run very slowly, stirring a maximum 3 times in 5 hours and 30 minutes which gives a nice semi-clear wort. This is what brings the fruity flavours through from the Malt Barns.

Fermentations are for 66 hours, using two different yeasts to give the Fermentation the flavours Bowmore requires.

The Spirit Stills are also run slowly – 16 litres per minute from each Spirit Still. This is to ensure only the finest and lightest of flavours carry over the neck of the Stills and into the Condensers and Spirit Safe.

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #BowmoreTimeless on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – Bowmore 12 Years Old (40%)

Bowmore 12 Year Old: Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks. The oloroso sherry casks come from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain.

Nose: Peaty smoke with lovely coastal aromas – creamy vanilla with hints of citrus.

Palate: Sweet and pleasantly smokey which makes it very sippable! Zesty lemon and some floral notes.

Finish: A dry spicy finish with yummy peppery bite!

Overall: Lovely sipping dram with some great floral and smokey flavours!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Bowmore 15 Years Old (43%)

Initially matured in a combination of 12 years in Bourbon barrels and finished for 3 years in 1st. fill Oloroso Sherry casks.

Nose: Mmm, creamy sherry – completely different to the twelve! Raisins, plump fruits, dusky polish and very faint hints of strawberry! Plenty of toffee, toffee, toffee as time passes and this dram also gets smokier after a good long sit in the glass!

Palate: Ooh! Nicely sherried with plenty of fruit! Some smokey backburner action going on as well!

Finish: A spicy finish with blackcurrant & chocolate.

Overall: A big step-up from the twelve and a great dram to boot! As often is the case, the 15 of any range is a good compromise between taste (of an 18) and price-point (of a 12).
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Bowmore 18 Years Old (43%)

Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks.


Nose: Very fruity with plump blackcurrant. There’s more tropical fruitiness and also dusky roominess & furniture polish ‘Liquid’ smoke & toffee!

Palate: Very smooth and creamy with tropical fruits to the fore! There’s some dark chocolate and blackcurrants as well.

Finish: Growing smokiness with salt and increasing spicy pepper. Slightly medicinal at the end.

Overall: A classy dram with rich flavours of tropical fruits, chocolate and smokiness!
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – Bowmore 27 Years Old (52.7%)

Bowmore Timeless Series 27 Year Old: Limited to 3,000 bottles – Now available from specialist retailers, with a RRP of £1,500.00.

Initially matured in a combination of Sherry casks and Bourbon barrels for 15 years, before being matured for a further 12 years in first-fill Oloroso butts.

Bottled at natural Cask Strength of 52.7%, non-chill filtered and natural colour.

Shaped by centuries of skill and tradition, it’s single malt harnesses the power of it’s history in every single drop.

The Timeless Series reflects this legacy, celebrating the timeless creation, as patience and dedication combine with an unwavering attention to detail.

Bowmore are continually seeking different ways to bring their story to life and drive intrigue, as well as desirability. The Timeless Series supports this approach but also offers the consumer a limited edition proposition with the most exceptional single malt.

Nose: Rich, cane sweetness married with tropical fruits and loads of toffee! Heavy, stewed fruits, a little blackcurrant & loads of love! It’s woody, dusty, rich, creamy, chocolatey and timeless!

Palate: Rich, satisfying, mouthfeel with Chocolate, heavily stewed fruits & more chocolate! Blackcurrant, sweet vanilla toffee & tobacco.

Finish: Spicy pepper leads us out accompanied by that glorious stewed fruit sweetness.

Overall: A Very different dram, to me, than the 31 year old. A Fantastic flavour extravaganza though and an experience to be cherished!

Tasting Notes – Bowmore 31 Years Old (45.4%)

Limited to 3,000 bottles and available exclusively through Global Travel Retail for a RRP of £1,725.00

Initially matured in Bourbon barrels for 28 years, before being matured for a further 3 years in Spanish Oak Matusalem Sherry seasoned butts.

Inspired by the classic hourglass shape, each Timeless Series edition is housed in a distinctive black box.

Inside the bottle sits alongside an hourglass, designed to encourage the drinker to turn it and allow nature’s gravity to release the grains of sand into the base of the hourglass.

This gives three precious minutes to enjoy the nose of this beautifully balanced masterpiece that has taken decades to perfect.

Nose: Creamy, sweet vanilla with hints of background smoke. Dusky, oaky, old leather, tropical fruits including pineapple – WoW!

Palate: Very floral (rosewater) and amazingly so! Distinctive parma violets, pineapple & other lovely tropicalness.

Finish: Much the same with just a hint of pepper to increase the joy!

Overall: The 27 and 31 are heady drams and I defy anyone to say they don’t like them! They are an amazing taste bud experience and I wish the samples allowed me to spend more time with them. As ever, they ran out all too soon but I certainly won’t forget them!

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 5, I think it’s got to be the Bowmore 27 Years Old – just stunning!.

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) and Bowmore (@bowmore) for providing such glorious, special drams!

Many thanks to Bowmore for providing such glorious, special drams!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @thedramble @TheWhiskyphiles @ocdwhisky @MaltMusings @rodbodtoo @WhiskyWings @Whiskylassie @MarkBylok @GreatDrams @joewb69 @KristianeSherry @cowfish @Whiskyexperts @PosDrinking @MoodieDavitt @MashtunandMeow @MrEdwardMilner @LaCaveDeCobalt @ChrisMCoates @ShayWaterworth @char_mcmanus @EdinburghWhisky @TheTRBusiness @T_M_Insider

Bowmore is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Elixir Distillers’ Gets The Go Ahead For It’s New Islay Distillery!

by Leave a Comment

Elixir Distillers’ new Islay distillery gets the green light!

The Argyll & Bute council planning committee has granted planning permission to Elixir Distillers to build its much anticipated new distillery in Islay, Scotland!

Born from a love of Islay and its whiskies, co-founders of Elixir Distillers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh have taken a big leap forward in their dream to build an Islay distillery. The plans combine the best elements of tradition and modernity in both design and production.

Elixir Distillers is a creator, blender and bottler of fine spirits

The news that our planning application has been accepted is fantastic. We’ve worked closely with the Argyll & Bute planning committee to create plans for a distillery that fits into the landscape and supports the community.

We want to create whiskies that inspire both the people of Islay and Islay whisky fans world-wide, enhancing the already glowing reputation of Islay whiskies, while also becoming an integral part of the community.
– Sukhinder Singh: co-founder of Elixir Distillers

The design of the distillery features an exterior that keeps with the traditional look of the other south coast distilleries on Islay, alongside some modern touches that reflect the individual landscape of the site on which it will be built. The interior will include floor maltings capable of supplying over 50% of the full one million LA capacity of the distillery.

Elixir Distillers’ plans include housing on-site, a visitor’s centre and a multi-purpose educational facility. They also intend to create an apprentice programme to train the next generation of distillers, and hope to work with the local community and Scotch Whisky industry to create other initiatives to support the environment and people of Islay.

The next steps for the Elixir Distillers team will be to finalise details of their plans, with the objective of breaking ground in 2021. The name of the distillery will be announced at a later date.

We take great pride in being able to learn, as whisky enthusiasts and use that knowledge as a guide to find and bottle great whisky including our Independent bottlings brands Port Askaig and Elements of Islay.

Having our own distillery will be a fantastic opportunity to apply the same methodology and passion for flavour in a drive to make truly great spirit to enhance the incredible reputation that Islay single malt already has.
– Oliver Chilton: Head Blender at Elixir Distillers


About Elixir Distillers
Elixir Distillers is a creator, blender and bottler of fine spirits, seeking to combine aesthetically beautiful design with delicious, characterful spirits.

Their expertise is primarily Scotch whisky, together with rum, Irish, Japanese and American whiskies and tequila.

Their core brands include Port Askaig, Elements of Islay, Single Malts of Scotland and Black Tot which they export to more than 20 international markets.

Every member of the Elixir Distillers team is a spirits enthusiast with immense product knowledge, looking to produce the world’s next great drink.

Celebrating 15 Years Of Kilchoman – The Journey Of Exploration Continues!

by Leave a Comment

Kilchoman was the first distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years!

The first Kilchoman cask was filled at the distillery on 14th December 2005. Fifteen years on, they are delighted to be celebrating the many achievements they’ve made so far and are looking forward to many more successful years to come!

Kilchoman was the first distillery to be built on Islay in over 124 years! The distillery was founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills and is Islay’s only farm distillery, producing Single Farm Single Malt. Kilchoman is one of the few whisky distilleries in Scotland to remain independent.

Spirit Run – Comparing Sassy and Concerto Barley

Comparing barley varieties and how they influence the character of the spirit is something Kilchoman Distillery often talk about. Anthony Wills, Founder & Managing Director, is a great believer that barley variety and yeast type plays a huge part in the overall characteristics of the spirit and it is something which he enjoys experimenting with.

Comparing barley varieties …

The different barley varieties are now kept completely separate throughout the whole production process and in cask.

Kilchoman have grown ‘concerto’ as their consistent choice of barley variety for the last five or six years and have found it performs very well. For the last three years they’ve experimented with growing a different variety of barley alongside the concerto. In 2019 they grew ‘sassy’ for the first time on the farm and are now running it through the production process.

Immediately differences in the character at the mashing and fermentation stages were noticed. On the nose, the characteristics are different. Sassy has a lemon and citrus note, it is very clean and fresh whereas concerto, although also very clean and fresh, it has more creaminess about it, richer and perhaps more depth.

Although there are very clear differences in the character of the spirit at this stage, Anthony still believes that the cask plays the biggest part in terms of the overall character of the single malt that you will enjoy.

It will be interesting to continue making these comparisons between the spirit from concerto and sassy throughout the maturation stage.

The Journey Of Exploration Continues!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Angels’ Nectar ‘Islay’ Edition Awarded Two Stars In The Great Taste Awards!

by Leave a Comment

Angels awarded Great Taste stars!

Great Taste (greattasteawards.co.uk), the stamp of excellence for food and drink in the UK, has announced its stars of 2020.

Out of over 12000 entries from more than 100 different countries, Grantown-on-Spey based Highfern Ltd has been awarded a 2-star Great Taste award, for their Angels’ Nectar Islay Edition, the criteria for which is ‘above and beyond delicious’.

Launched last year the Angels’ Nectar Islay Edition is an Islay Single Malt bottled at 47% and at natural colour by Highfern Ltd and retails for around £49.50.

Launched last year the Angels’ Nectar Islay Edition is an Islay Single Malt bottled at 47% and at natural colour by Highfern Ltd.

We love the very pale, lemon-gold colour. Fantastic smokey-bacon, dry woodsmoke, subtle caramel aroma, with pine and leather notes. The palate is bright and energetic, the nose follows well – that woodsmoke lingers long. Subtly medicinal finish, all brilliantly in balance with a malty, cereal note. Citrus peel on the finish. There is a level of complexity and balance here that deserves an award.
– The Great Taste judges

Judged by 144 of the most discerning palates, belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and producers, as well as food writers and journalists, Great Taste is the most coveted of awards for the speciality food and drink sector.

As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakeable black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to an outstanding product, which has been discovered through hours and hours of blind tasting.

Our intention with Angels’ Nectar is to showcase different styles of Scotch Whisky, with a series of small batch releases. It’s wonderful that our Islay Edition has received this recognition, based on taste alone, from the most important awards scheme for the speciality food and drink sector.

– Robert Ransom: Angels’ Nectar founder

Great Taste values taste above all else, with no regard for branding and packaging

Great Taste values taste above all else, with no regard for branding and packaging. Whether it is waffles, whitebait or whisky being judged, all are removed from their packaging before being tasted blind.

The judges then savour, confer and re-taste to decide which products are worthy of a 1-, 2- or 3-Star Great Taste award. Despite the additional logistical challenges imposed this year due to lockdown, Great Taste adapted their processes to remote and socially distanced judging sessions, whilst ensuring that their robust judging standards were maintained.

There were 12,777 entries into Great Taste this year and of those products, 205 have been awarded a 3-star, 1,294 received a 2-star and 3,818 were awarded a 1-star accolade.

The panel of judges this year included; cook, writer and champion of sustainable food, Melissa Hemsley, cook, writer, stylist and voice of modern vegetarian cooking, Anna Jones, celebrated Spanish chef, José Pizarro, Kavi Thakrar from Dishoom, food writer and cook, Xanthe Clay, and baker and author, Martha Collison, as well as food buyers from Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Waitrose.

Angels’ Nectar is available to buy from these Merchants:-


· Highfern Ltd are the proprietors of Angels’ Nectar Whisky and importers of Langatun Whisky, Seven Seals Whisky, Smögen Whisky, Strane Gin & Kinghaven Rum. Alongside the Cairngorms Edition, Angels’ Nectar also offer Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Original 40%, Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Rich Peat Edition 46%, Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition 47% and Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Cairngorms Edition 46%.

· In 2018 the Angels’ Nectar Rich Peat Edition was also awarded two Great Taste stars.

· For more information about Angels’ Nectar, please see: angelsnectar.co.uk (@angelsnectar)

Kilchoman Distillery & ImpEx Beverages Team Up To Spare Consumers From Paying Tariffs On Their Whisky.

by Leave a Comment

“The tariffs are a big blow as in the last few years we have seen steady growth in sales”

A message from Anthony Wills & Sam Filmus: Kilchoman Distillery, ImpEx Beverages, Inc.

Last month, the Trump administration announced damaging tariffs on all Single Malt Scotch Whisky, leaving members of our industry wondering how this will impact their supply chain and their customers along the three-tier system. There is no doubt that Americans will purchase less Scotch due to the hefty 25% tariff, but Kilchoman and ImpEx knew that we could not just leave it at that.

“If and when they are finally lifted, well… we know how to celebrate!”

The tariffs are a big blow as in the last few years we have seen steady growth in sales. It is hoped they aren’t in place for too long so the impact doesn’t do long term damage.
– Sam Filmus

Recently quoted in Whisky Advocate magazine (and parent company publication, Shanken News), Sam Filmus, President and Co-Founder of ImpEx Beverages, explained that he “airfreighted 19 additional pallets of Single Malt to last through the holiday selling season.”

As a boutique importer, he is “extremely concerned about how the tariffs will impact us, our suppliers, our prices, and, at the end of the day, the consumer that enjoys our whisky.”

Moving forward, Filmus and Wills agreed to swallow the cost of the tariffs, at least through next March, splitting it fifty-fifty to spare consumers from higher prices.

I think in the long run, it is going to be beneficial for the brand.
[It will allow] more people to get a hold of the bottles they’re shopping for.
– Sam Filmus

Needless to say, a 25% increase is substantial for both companies’ profit margins, but Anthony and Sam– who will celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of Kilchoman’s launch in the US in 2020 along with 10 years of partnership– are focused on continuing the long term success of Kilchoman in the United States. There was no hesitation that stepping up for their customers at this time is the right call. These tariffs are the most recent reminder that the whisky industry is not immune to global political and economic forces, and the most recent opportunity for two leaders in our industry to come together and demonstrate their commitment to putting consumers first.

Please feel free to reach out to us with questions on these tariffs or anything else Scotch-related. We will continue to keep you, our Kilchoman community, abreast of any changes to the state of these tariffs. If and when they are finally lifted, well… we know how to celebrate.

– Anthony Wills & Sam Filmus: Kilchoman Distillery, ImpEx Beverages, Inc.

Sampling The Kilchoman 100% Islay 9th. Edition – What Could Be Better?

by Leave a Comment

The Kilchoman 100% Islay 9th Edition

Kilchoman has released their latest edition in their 100% Islay range, Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt.

The Kilchoman 100% Islay 9th Edition has been distilled from their 2007 and 2009 barley crops and is a vatting of 43 ex-bourbon barrels matured for over 9 years in their on-site dunnage warehouses.

Available Now!

Bottled at 50% abv with a total bottle release of just 12,000 bottles this Edition is bound to be popular AND disappear off the shelves quickly!

The 100% Islay range has been released annually since 2011 and their whiskies are distilled solely from barley grown in the distillery’s surrounding fields.

This barley is then malted, distilled, matured and eventually bottled – ALL on site – an unmatched, unbroken chain of creation from barley to bottle!

With barley origins, varieties and farm distillers one of the industry’s hot topics, their 100% Islay range remains Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt.

The 9th Edition marks a return to the bourbon barrel maturation of previous 100% Islay releases. (Last year’s 8th edition contained roughly 50% sherry maturation.)

Our 100% Islay spirit pairs seamlessly with ex-bourbon barrels. The lower peating level (20ppm) allows the natural floral sweetness of the spirit to shine through whilst a higher age profile adds layers of overripe tropical fruit and stewed plums whilst the high ABV makes it no lightweight.

I’m delighted with how the 9th Edition has come together and as ever, I look forward to hearing people’s opinions.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Master Distiller

The Kilchoman 100% Islay 9th Edition will retail for approximately £71.94 and is available now.

Kilchoman (@Kilchomanwhisky) has very kindly sent me a sample to try – thanks Kilchoman!

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

Tasting Notes: The Kilchoman 100% Islay – 9th Edition (50%)

No chill filtration or colouring – peating level of 20ppm.


Colour: Pale straw.

Nose: Sweet smoke aromas with soflty burning wood, peat and tempered by crisp green apples.

Palate: A light, thin dram with some dry smoke, sweet vanilla and subtle smokey peat. There’s citrus fruits and apple in there as well.

Finish: Plenty of peppery spice comes through very quickly and powerfully! A pleasant finish with a little salt at the end.

Overall: This dram gets better and better!
The soft, smokey flavours combine perfectly with a light sweetness which is just divine.
The longer in the glass and exposed to the air, the tastier it gets.
The peat balance is perfect. A dram to savour as the nights draw in and winter comes ever closer.
My advice: turn off the television, unplug the phone, dim the lights and sit back and enjoy this dram.
What could be better?

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Timeline of 100% Islay releases:-

9th Edition (2019): 43 fresh ex-bourbon barrels matured for a minimum of nine years.
8th Edition (2018): 23 ex-bourbon barrels and 7 oloroso sherry butts filled between 2008 and
2012.
7th Edition (2017): fresh and refill bourbon barrels filled in 2010.
6th Edition (2016): fresh and refill bourbon barrels filled in 2010.
5th Edition (2015): fresh ex-bourbon barrels filled in 2009 and 2010.
4th Edition (2014): fresh and refill ex-bourbon barrels filled in 2009 and 2010.
3rd Edition (2013): fresh and refill bourbon barrels filled in 2009.
2nd Edition (2012): fresh ex-bourbon barrels filled in 2010.
Inaugural 100% Islay Release (2011): fresh bourbon barrels filled in 2009.

Notable awards:-

• 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.
• In 2018 Sanaig was voted best peated whisky at the Whisky World Cup.
• This year both core expressions were awarded gold medals at The Spirits Business
Scotch Whisky Masters.
• Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years
after the first bottling was released.

Sampling Kilchoman’s ‘STR’ Cask Matured 2019 – Let’s Get Toasty & Smokey!

by Leave a Comment

Kilchoman STR Cask Matured Limited Edition

Kilchoman has Released it’s first “STR” Cask Matured Limited Edition!

A creation of the late Dr Jim Swan, STR refers to a specific formula for the Shaving, Toasting and Re-Charring of Red Wine Hogsheads.

Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019 is Now Available!

A total of 30 casks filled in 2012 were selected by Anthony Wills, Kilchoman’s founder and Managing Director, bottled at a strength of 50%abv without chill-filtration or colouring.

The process of shaving, toasting and re-charring has had a huge influence on these casks and the flavours this single malt possesses. Kilchoman released a full maturation Red Wine Cask release in 2016 which took on lots of the big and bold wine flavours, however the STR cask provides a different approach.

The shaving has reduced some of the bolder flavours on the surface of the oak, producing a more subtle red wine influence.

The casks were then toasted and charred over a natural oak fire, fuelled exclusively using oak chips from used staves, removing harsh tannins and undelivered flavours as well as breaking down unwanted chemical bonds of lignin, celluloses, and hemicelluloses.

These undesirable characteristics are replaced with the creation of basic sugars, vanilla and spice notes.

The STR cask, created by the late Dr Jim Swan, balances influence from both the new and used oak to create a powerful combination of rich fruit, oak, spice and maritime peat smoke.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director

The Shaving, Toasting and Re-Charring Process

Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019 is bottled with a Phenol level of 50ppm at 50% ABV and is available now – priced at around £78.95.

I was lucky enough to have received a sample of this dram – courtesy of Kilchoman (@Kilchomanwhisky) – thanks Kilchoman!

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

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019 (ABV: 50% / Phenol level: 50ppm)

Nose: Sweet, peaty smoke with fireside wood and burning embers. There’s crisp, crunchy apples and toffee with a hint of cherry(!) All-in-all, aromas that really spoils your nose!

Palate: Vanilla toffee, smokey peat and charred wood.

Finish: Long, spicy, pepper with sweet vanilla, honey and shades of liquorice. Tobacco comes at the end.

Overall: The 50% gives this dram a satisfying, peaty, smokey, sweet punch. It has flavour a-plenty and all finely balanced. I really love the Kilchoman drams and they are always a pleasure to sample – the Kilchoman STR Cask Matured did NOT disappoint!

A hit for sure!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman Distillery sits nestled amongst the traditional buildings of Rockside Farm on the north-west coast of Islay. Famous as Islay’s Farm Distillery, the distillery’s barley fields stretch west to the shores of Machir Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Established in 2005, Kilchoman is unique in many ways, most notably for their 100% Islay range, Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. True to Islay’s rich farm distilling heritage, Kilchoman uses local Islay cut peat, slowly distilling by hand, maturing in traditional dunnage warehouses and bottling on site without colouring or chill-filtration.

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:

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 Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm 2019 – Take A Day Trip To The Coast & Trip The “Taste” Fantastic!

by Leave a Comment

Loch Gorm 2019

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2019 will be available worldwide from the 8th April 2019

KILCHOMAN LAUNCH LOCH GORM 2019

Loch Gorm is the name given to the annually released sherry cask matured limited edition from Kilchoman. The loch, murky and peaty in colour, reflects the dark copper tone of the sherry matured Loch Gorm release.

As the only release in the Kilchoman range to be fully matured in sherry casks, Loch Gorm has always attracted special attention from whisky fans, especially given that just 15,000 bottles will be released and made available around the world.

Over the years the Loch Gorm range of limited edition releases have been evolving, each new edition containing a different combination of casks. This, the 2019 edition, is no different. Twenty oloroso sherry butts from 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 have been selected for this release, meaning that for the first time Loch Gorm will contain 12 and 13-year-old casks from the Kilchoman warehouses.

It has been fascinating to see first-hand how the character of our oloroso butts have developed over the years. Recent editions of Loch Gorm have seen a coming-of-age for the range, the addition 12 and 13-year-old casks add a fantastic balance and complexity.

Layers of stewed plums, pears and tropical fruit have become more defined in the casks as they age, complimenting the bold spicy and rich character of early releases to create a beautiful marriage of Kilchoman and oloroso sherry cask maturation. I’m delighted with the 2019 release and look forward seeing how it’s received.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director

Kilchoman Distillery sits nestled amongst the traditional buildings of Rockside Farm on the north-west coast of Islay. Famous as Islay’s Farm Distillery, the distillery’s barley fields stretch west to the shores of Machir Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Established in 2005, Kilchoman is unique in many ways, most notably for their 100% Islay range, Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. True to Islay’s rich farm distilling heritage, Kilchoman uses local Islay cut peat, slowly distilling by hand, maturing in traditional dunnage warehouses and bottling on site without colouring or chill-filtration.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2019 is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available worldwide from the 8th April 2019.

I was lucky enough to have received a sample of this dram before the launch date – courtesy of Kilchoman – thanks Kilchoman!

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

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2019 (46%)


Colour: Pale gold.

Nose: Peat n’ smoke with some green apple. Coastal with aromas of Damp, white wood. Leads to a sweet caramel later on.

Palate: Oily and coastal. There’s peat with wiffs of smoke and a rich, sweet, syrup.

Finish: A pleasing Rush of punchy spice and burnt ash coupled with a dry, salty sweetness leads to a satisfying finish.

Overall: There’s certainly a vibrant coastal feel to this dram with layers of peat and gently burning woodsmoke balanced with some sweetness. A lovely dram that I would truly recommend!
So, why not treat yourself? – Take A Day Trip To The Coast and Trip The Taste Fantastic!

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:

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 is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Sampling Kilchoman’s 2018 Limited Editions: PART 2 – The Loch Gorm!

by Leave a Comment

Kilchoman 2018 Port Matured and Loch Gorm Limited Editions

Kilchoman Launch 2018 Loch Gorm and Port Matured Limited Editions

Kilchoman have released their first limited editions of the year! They are 2018 editions of Loch Gorm and Port Cask Matured that became available worldwide on the 23rd of April. Traditionally the spring has seen the Islay distillery release their 100% Islay and Loch Gorm expressions, however this year sees the iconic 100% Islay moved to an autumn release with the much-anticipated Port Cask Matured taking its place.

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

Tasting Notes: Kilchoman – Loch Gorm 2018 Edition (46%)


Colour: Pale sherry.

Nose: Smokey peat, orange, red apple and rich fruit cake spiciness.

Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, spicy, fruity, sweet vanilla topped off with a slight peat.

Finish: Punchy spice with a creamy vanilla, hint of tropical fruits, smoke and dry tobacco in a long finish.

Overall: A sweeter dram than the Port Cask Matured but full of rich flavours and aromas. My personal favourite of the two new releases!

You can catch up on what I thought of the Kilchoman Port Cask Matured – 2018 Edition (50%) here.

Kilchoman produces a portion of its whisky from barley grown on site

This will be the second Port Cask Matured expression released by Kilchoman, the first, launched in 2014 being one of the most talked about Kilchoman releases in the distillery’s thirteen-year history.

The 2018 edition is a vatting of thirty ruby port hogsheads filled in 2014, yielding a total of 10,000 bottles. The distillery’s commitment to full term maturation has continued, with the decision to age only in port casks rather than using such barrels for finishing, this gives the whisky an added dimension, with layers of red fruits, creamy vanilla and floral sweetness that flood in with the intensity expected of a 50% abv bottling strength.

Released alongside the Port Cask Matured is the well-established Loch Gorm release, the exclusively sherry matured limited edition has been a feature of the Kilchoman range since 2012. The 2018 release of 15,000 bottles is made up of nineteen oloroso sherry butts filled in 2007, 2008 and 2011, containing some of the oldest sherry casks ever filled at Kilchoman.

The Loch Gorm is the only global release from Kilchoman that is matured solely in sherry casks, with its combination of rich sherry notes, cooked fruits and subtle Islay peat, it’s not surprising that this is one of the distilleries best-selling single malts.

Both the Port Cask Matured and The Loch Gorm have peating levels of 50 ppm.

Historically our port and sherry matured releases have received a very positive response from the whisky community, I think the 2018 editions are probably the best versions of these expressions we’ve released to date so I’m excited to see the how these latest editions are received.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and was the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years. Kilchoman, the only independently owned Islay distillery is most famous as the only distillery to produce a portion of its whisky from barley grown on site, completing all stages of the whisky-making process themselves using traditional farm distillery methods.

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:

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 awarded Best Islay Single Malt Scotch in the International Whisky Competition.
In 2017 the distillery’s flagship expression, Machir Bay, was named Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2017 as well as a rum matured single cask winning Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, Single Cask of the Year 2017

The Kilchoman Port Cask Matured – 2018 Edition will retail for approximately £85.00.

The Kilchoman – Loch Gorm 2018 Edition will retail for approximately £70.00.

These drams will sell out fast!
“As usual be quick,
because Kilchoman on the shelf,
they do not stick!”

Many thanks to Kilchoman (@Kilchoman05) for the samples!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-

Tags

10 Year Old 12 year old 15 Year Old 40% 43% 46% 1980 Ardbeg bottle bottled bottling bourbon Bowmore Caol cask casks distillery douglas Glen Glenfarclas Glenlivet Glenmorangie gordon Highland Island Islay laing Laphroaig Lowland Macallan macphail malt range rare refill scotch sherry signatory single Speyside Springbank strength whisky year years

Archives

QR Code

QR Code for malthound.co.uk - scan the image with your smartphone & access malt whisky on the move!