Kilchoman 100% Islay 2010-2017, 50% abv.

These Kilchoman 100% Islay editions are basically just that, all the materials and processes are from and performed on Islay. This 7th edition is matured from fresh and refill Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels.

Nose: soil, plant roots freshly plucked, a type of meaty asian root used in chinese cuisine similar to ginseng. No smoke, not much fruit. After some time and with my nostrils a little further away, a little bit of sweet fruit and light coconut, hints of vanilla.

Palate: dry, a different kind of peat, similar to new car leather of a BMW or Mercedes, some fa kay sum (花旗參) in there, a little bit of spoiled celery too, reminds me of the color gray. Back palate is sharp, smokey, quite peaty.

Finish: moderate to a little long, moderately peaty, a little bit of new leather.

As expected from Kilchoman, an interesting and solid product! Nose is quite different from the taste though, and the flavors are quite intense, but admittedly less intense than the core Islay mafia (Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Lagavulin). Too earthy and fa kay sum (花旗參) like for me, but experience-wise its quite good. Had this at Bar Entourage, Ulsan, South Korea.

Grade: B-

Whiskyanalysis.com, all editions, 8.74 ± 0.23 on 19 reviews
Thewhiskeyjug, Josh Peters, 86/100
Whisky advocate, Gavin Smith, 89 points

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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