Kilchoman 100% Islay Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2016, making it a 6-year-old whisky. It is matured in ex-Bourbon casks sourced from Buffalo Trace, with a mix of first fill and refill casks. The whisky is non-colored and non-chill filtered.
Age Statement: 6 years
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as very light in color, indicative of its relatively young age and the use of bourbon casks. The bottle features a nice stopper, and the cork is glued in, emphasizing the quality of packaging.

Peat Level: Contains 15 to 20 ppm of peat, making it moderately peated. Not a peat monster, but the peat presence is noticeable.
Flavor Balance: Described as well-balanced, with a medium smoky profile. It's not overly intense, making it suitable for those new to smoky whiskies.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a fresh and light profile, with phenolic notes transitioning to a pepperminty touch. There are also hints of smoke, orange, sweet notes, malt cereal grain, wood, and a hint of vanilla. A slight nuttiness, akin to roasted hazelnuts, is also mentioned.
Finish: Medium to long finish, with nuances of taste lingering but not with intense flavor.

Production Process: Kilchoman is notable for being one of the few distilleries to malt its own barley on Islay, using traditional floor malting methods. This contributes to its 100% Islay claim, emphasizing the local provenance of both the grain and the malting process.
Expansion: The distillery has recently acquired the neighboring farm to increase production of its 100% Islay malt, hinting at future expansions of this line within their offerings.

Islay Provenance: Emphasizes the importance of Islay's geographical and cultural heritage in the production of this whisky. The 100% Islay claim underlines the whisky's deep roots in the local terroir, distinguishing it from other Islay whiskies that might source malt from elsewhere.

"It's not an intense whiskey... well-balanced, slight medium smoky whiskey."
"You never know if you have 20 ppm in the malt and in the end, you have 5 ppm in the bottle because they distill some of the phenols out."

Kilchoman 100% Islay is a 6-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, distilled and matured on Islay.
It features a moderate peat level of 15 to 20 ppm, offering a well-balanced, medium smoky profile.
The whisky is celebrated for its traditional production process, including local malting, which contributes to its 100% Islay identity.
Flavor notes include peppermint, smoke, orange, sweet malt cereal, wood, vanilla, and roasted hazelnuts.
It is presented in a light color, indicative of its age and bourbon cask maturation, in a well-designed bottle.
Suitable for those new to smoky whiskies or looking for a well-balanced, moderately peated Scotch.

For Beginners: This whisky's balanced profile and moderate peat level make it an excellent introduction to smoky Islay whiskies.
For Islay Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for Islay's terroir and traditional whisky-making processes will find the 100% Islay claim particularly appealing.
For Collectors: The story behind its production and the emphasis on local malting may make this a unique addition to a collection focused on Islay whiskies or whiskies with a strong sense of place.