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.
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