Style: Sweet, Herbal and Smoky
Nose:
A half-syrupy, herbal dose of Islay smoke. Barbeque pork on the main palate whereas the Kilchoman confectionaries are scattered on the side. Semi-dissolved muscovado sugar lightly brushed on top of it. Iodine, dirty kelp and roasted barley sitting quite deep. Interesting aroma.
Palate:
Waves of brown sugar water rush in and carrying the flavours – starting with coastal breeze, smoked kelp, followed by a confectionary-sweetened, bright malty core. Liquorice highlighted by herbal overtone, anise (?), vanilla pods, taking a hint of creaminess while the spice cuts through the expression. Challenging but an interesting palate.
Finish:
The herbal spicy theme rests and the tone begins to settle down. Confectionary sweetness breathing out in a more relax pace and the smoke gently lurking at the back.
Thoughts:
When I look at the colour I assume this is going to be an Islay sherry bomb, instead, it is more like a vessel to carry and transmit the other elements in the spirit. Sweet confectionary notes, lesser maritime influence, but a strong herbal edge with subtleties residing in it, it is still Kilchoman through and through, but there is an interesting twist to it.
✓ [Recommended if you like the style/ distillery]
[57.8% / Original Bottling / 2011 Distilled / 2017 Bottled / Single Cask / Cask Strength / Cask Number: 617/2011 / Matured in a Sherry cask / Aged 5 Years]
-Esmond
WhiskNick 