Kilchoman 100% Islay (9th Edition)

A light gold hue with copper undertones in the glass. The peat is quite noticeable on the nose, though not overpowering, complemented by sweet notes of ripe apricots, vanilla, a hint of lemon, and distinct salinity. With aeration, the peat intensifies and becomes richer. The alcohol is well-integrated and not at all intrusive. The palate is flooded with smoke, more like ash than barbecue smoke, and is much more intense and full-bodied than the aroma suggested. It carries notes of plums, lemon, and a herbaceous quality, all set against a backdrop of profound salinity. The flavors struggle to break through; the peat and saltiness are so dominant they nearly overshadow everything else, supported by the alcohol content. A touch of ginger appears in the finish. A long finish, with notes of a used ashtray, salt, and spices.

Sharp, energetic zest, tart, apple, fruity, woody salt 1 sweetness, apple, fruity, woody, medium energy, smokiness, campfire essence, slight tartness, zesty 3.25 oaky tannin 2 waxy woody dry incense musky medium energy 1 spicy, woody, tannin, some smoke, oaky 1 oaky wood 1 1

First, it's really awesome that this is potentially the only single farm single malt whisky from Scotland. Smells like an earthy peat bog, more akin to Laphroaig than Caol Ila or Lagavulin. There's some saltiness and a good amount of sweetness from the ex-bourbon barrels. Really solid whisky, rated A-.

Second evaluation. Unpleasant. Reminiscent of a peaty Auchentoshan. That floral note is less prominent than in Auchentoshan but is present and off-putting.

nose of toffee and brown sugar, with sharp citrus and gasoline on the palate, not excessively peaty, ending with a faint smoky taste

Exceptional. Smoky but not excessively so. Well-balanced with a prominent peat character. I need to explore more of this distillery's offerings.