Kilchoman 100% Islay (11th Edition)

The final dram I had on the Scottish mainland was actually a whisky from Islay, my next exciting destination. Kilchoman excels in everything. From its inception in 2005, it has upheld the highest Islay standards of excellence. I had the opportunity to try this 11th edition, named "100% Islay," a 50% ABV whisky, which was grown, matured, and bottled in the renowned archipelago. On the nose, a pungent, beautiful peat. It has an aroma of a pond, malted barley, and chocolate that's been left behind with some socks, lol. Bandages and medicinal tape, BBQ sauce; freshly cut sawdust, and gooseberries. On the palate, it's very fruity for a peated single malt. Prunes, salt. Farm fruits: Grapefruit. Hay, almonds, and chocolate. Some toffee as well. Delicious. Aftertaste was sublime. Charcoal, salt. It's like opening your mouth as a sea wave approaches. Pepper spice; very maritime. A gorgeous sensation of Nerf toys and a fresh can of Tennis balls. Overall, this is a very complex dram, with incredible balance and truly remarkable flavors. The nose isn't quite as spectacular as the palate and aftertaste, but it's still very good. If you can find it, get it. My score for this is 95 out of 100.

Aroma - Salt, clean campfire smoke, minerals, seaweed, preserved lemon, warm toasted raisins Taste - Salt, black peppercorns, sweet smoke, ashy minerals, smoked raisins, preserved lemons, mildly savory smoke Finish - Lingering warmth/heat, black pepper, salt, ashy raisins, sweet smoked beef jerky Score - 86/100 Final Thoughts - This was a very enjoyable pour, featuring nice clean smoke with a distinct campfire by the sea ambiance. The smoke is very pure and has a pleasant mineral quality. It's akin to heating rocks on a campfire and then adding lemon peels to the flames. Off to the side, sweet beef jerky and raisins are simmering in sweet white wine. A great atmosphere, but not overly complex or exceptional. A perfectly good drink for a campfire or perhaps with a charcuterie board featuring good cured meats and smoked cheeses. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I purchase a bottle? - Perhaps NOTE - All evaluations are performed without considering the price.

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Whisky Tasting, October 1st, 2021). Nose: Vegetal, mild peat, floral, smoke, salt, seaweed, Deep Heat / Germoline Palate: Smoke, sweet, gentle peat, green/hay, honey, nutty Finish: Medium length finish. Fisherman’s Friend lozenges, salted nuts. Very sweet/sugary. Some dried fruit. More peat on the aftertaste. Matured in 26 ex-bourbon barrels and 7 ex-Oloroso butts from the years 2007-2011 (excluding 2008). This is a pleasant, gently peated dram. Very easy to drink and enjoy. Nice dram. Came in second out of the six drams, with 30% (3 votes) of the final vote for favorite of the night. 100% (10 votes) of those present indicated they enjoyed the whisky.

This is the tasting after the initial pour: Quite pleasing. Somewhat reminiscent of Ardbeg, if I had to make a comparison… Nose: Pleasant, sweet peat. Quite fruity. Apple Cider. Brine. A touch of rubber. Vanilla. Sherry. Very inviting! Palate: Again, smooth and sweet peat. Smoked ham. The oak integration is excellent. I approve! Finish: Warm and smooth, and remarkably long. Sweet peat once more. This definitely matches the quality of Ardbeg Ten, perhaps a bit sweeter. And even surpasses it!

A hint of peat on the nose, but otherwise unremarkable. It comes alive on the palate with notes of apricot, pine, and smoky barbecue. Some dried red fruits are discernible from the sherry casks. A nice, lingering finish.

Nose: Sweet and saline Palate: Smooth, creamy, and delicate Finish: A pleasant medium finish Received as a sample from a vendor.