Kilchoman Triple Cask

Kilchoman Triple Cask | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Isle of Islay, Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation & Maturation: Matured in three different types of casks: ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Pedro Ximénez sherry.
  • Age Statement: Not specified, but the emphasis is on the triple cask maturation process.
  • ABV: 46%.
  • Filtration: Non-chill filtered.
  • Color: Uncolored, natural.
  • Bottle Design: Heavy and substantial bottle with a large base, designed for an impressive presentation. The cork is notably well-crafted, allowing for a satisfying pour.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Initial Impressions: Dominated by a strong peatiness and smokiness, estimated at 40-45 ppm.
  • Sherry Influence: The Oloroso sherry cask contributes a fully fermented, robust sherry note, while the Pedro Ximénez sherry cask adds a sweeter, fruitier dimension.
  • Complexity: Beyond the smoke, there are notes of oak, licorice, honey, and a hint of orange juice, suggesting a balance between the distillery's character and the influence of the sherry casks.
  • Mouthfeel: Starts harsh and spicy but becomes more gentle and mouth-watering, with a significant spiciness and a dry finish. The aftertaste is smoother, with a warming, gentle mouthfeel.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Distillery Expansion: Kilchoman has aggressively expanded, doubling its capacity and investing in local agriculture and maltings, emphasizing its commitment to producing whisky that is 100% made on Islay.
  • Club Bottling: This Triple Cask release is a special edition available exclusively to members of a specific club in Germany and Austria, highlighting the distillery's innovative approach to cask maturation.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Isla Identity: Kilchoman embodies the essence of Islay whisky through its use of local resources, including its own maltings, and by ensuring all bottling is done by hand by Islay residents. This release is presented as a quintessential example of an Islay-made whisky.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "If you want to have something 100% made Islay, this is pretty much what you get." - Horst Luening
  • "It's just not a whisky that you would just enjoy easily on the side. It's just a whisky that really grabs your attention." - Ben Luening

Summary

  • Kilchoman Triple Cask is a unique single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, matured in ex-bourbon, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
  • It features a robust peatiness and smokiness, complemented by the complexity and sweetness from the sherry casks.
  • The whisky is part of a special club bottling, emphasizing Kilchoman's innovative approach and commitment to Islay's whisky-making traditions.
  • It is non-chill filtered, uncolored, and presented in a notably heavy and well-designed bottle.
  • The flavor profile is intense and not necessarily beginner-friendly, but it offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of Islay whiskies.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • For Peat Lovers: This whisky's strong peat and smoke profile, combined with its complexity, make it a must-try.
  • For Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the influence of sherry casks will enjoy the balance of sweetness and fruitiness.
  • For Whisky Collectors: The exclusivity and unique maturation process make this a desirable addition to any collection.
  • Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to its intensity and complexity, it might be overwhelming for those new to whisky.