When it comes to whisky tasting, Kilchoman from Islay is amongst my favourites. Unusually, it is the only distillery on the westerly island that is not located on the coast.
Kilchoman is still relatively young, set up in 2005, the first new distillery on Islay in over a century. Actually, it is privately-owned farm, growing its own barley. Owned by Anthony Wills and his two sons, their capacity is still relatively low at under 1 million litres annually.
Kilchoman is known for its peaty whisky. They prefer to peat their own barley, typically for around 10 hours.
Last week, I took along to a tasting a 50ppm bottle. That means that the maltings probably came from the Port Ellen maltings nearby. My choice was the 9 year old 2010 Vintage at 48% ABV. I believe that around 15,000 bottles came from 42 bourbon barrels and 3 sherry butts.
Let me explain. My first encounter with Kilchoman had been the classic Machir Bay. About 7-8 years old, 46% and primarily matured in bourbon casks, I can consume this in quantity. It is creamy, lemony, sweet, with some summery fruits in the background. 20% ppm and thus probably peated on site. The finish is surprisingly long.
So what makes the 2010 Vintage different?
Somehow the extra year or more in the casks and the higher ABV creates a magical effect. And the peat effect is more than double. You start off thinking it is Machir Bay, but it ain’t. It’s much better.
Nose: Again lemony, sweet biscuits, vanilla
Palate: Stronger, yet not overbearing. Citrus and summer fruits. You drink slowly, looking to discover more. Can’t be rushed.
Palate: Like a great cake, lingering, wondering whether you will go back immediately for some more.
Would I buy this again? Definitely
