Saturday 29 November 2014

Kilchoman Port Cask Matured Review

Kilchoman Port Cask Matured - 55% abv.

So I was excited to get one of the more rare malts this year - Kilchoman Port Cask Matured. You don't come across heavily peated whisky matured in port casks very often. I'm a fan of Kilchoman and what they are trying to do (even though I wish they'd release an unpeated whisky some day!). I've tried versions of all of their expressions and reviewed one here. Other than the review here, the one that's impressed me most from Kilchoman is their 100% Islay Release.

This is very different and jumps out at me right away. By the way, Kilchoman states on the label that the whisky used here is all matured over 3 years. I like that. They could have gone with no age statement but chose to be straight about it instead.
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Colour: The label says mahogony with hints of ruby and I'd say thats not far off. This whisky really does have a red/pink colour to it. I love whisky with natural colour.

Nose: soft and fruity nose with a roasted chest nuts, ash, and a note that reminds of fresh figs (not dried ones). 

Palate: its sweet and rich with a solid hit of peat followed by ashy smoke. Surprisingly soft given that it is 3 years old and 55% alcohol! There is thick fruit there with dark maple syrup or maybe some molasses. No sharp edges on this. Some nice spices come in through the development. I think the fruits include some sweet field berries, fresh figs, and strawberry. There's a quick layer of chocolate in there to.

There is excellent balance in this. The fruit and peat play off each other and neither dominates. Add some water and you see this more and more. Very different and delicious!

Finish: long persistence with a steady ashy note. Gentle and warm - not hot. Makes its ways slowly down the throat to just-below the Adam's apple. I still am feeling its warmth and taste several minutes after the last taste.  

Comments: There are few whiskies I put in this category, but this honestly reminds me of the cask strength Port Charlotte PC releases - think PC7 or PC9, that sort of thing. This is quite as complex as those but is rich and good and warming. Stellar stuff for a cold day for sure! Don't be fooled by the low age on this and go and get one because stores have been selling out fast.  I've now decided that port casks and peated whisky go very well together!

When would I drink this? This will make a great night cap especially on a cold or stormy night.  Blinder! I don't say this lightly... I would drink this when I need "a pretty heavy whisky."

Curious... will Kilchoman ever put out that ten year old? Lets hope they think about it next year since I think their 10th anniversary is then.

Friday 28 November 2014

Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten Review

Bruichladdich 10 Year Old - The Laddie Ten - 46%abv.

Well I had just a dram left of my last bottle of The Laddie Ten.  Today I saw some incredible news - Mark Reynier, the man who was responsible for putting together the revival of Bruichladdich tweeted today that he has bought a new distillery.  We get more details Monday, but I thought a review of what is probably Mark's crown jewel to date is warranted.

This one was put together by Jim McEwan and contains 90% american oak casks and 10% PX Sherry Casks.
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Colour: gold with copper highlights

Nose: salty sweetness with some charcoal and menthol. Fruits and florals come through. Lovely stuff.  Some vanilla in there. Two drops of water releases the genie and puts off some more fruity notes.

Palate: lovely.  Great texture, sweet and complex.  Its fruity but bold.  There's some salt there and a taste of charcoal (probably coming from the use of first-fill american oak casks). Honey, vanilla, lemon, some sweet raisin, a little mint.  This is very tasty stuff.  So well put together. A couple of drops of water seems to bring out a little more vanilla extract.  

Finish: The finish is soft but warm and makes its way into the upper part of the chest.  The persistence is long.

So this is fantastic whisky. Its fresh enough to be an apperitif but rich enough to be drunk in the evening. Its hard to come by these days, but if you see it, grab it. When would I drink this? Any time really.

Congratulations Mark Reynier. Best of luck with the new venture. This whisky warms my heart and hearing that you are back does too.