Kilchoman Calvados Finish

When visiting a Scottish distillery, always inquire about exclusive releases and seize the chance to sample their rarer, reasonably priced whiskies. At Kilchoman, I was pleased to try this 10-year-old expression, which is relatively uncommon for this young distillery, having undergone a two-year finishing period in a Calvados cask, a type of apple brandy. The nose presents oranges, orange peel, barley, and predominantly cereal notes, with a rustic character. After the first sip, the aroma shifts to gooseberries and vanilla popcorn cereal. The palate is very easy to drink, featuring vanilla, oranges, lemon peel, a pleasant sulfuric note, and homemade toffee. The peat emerges in the finish, which is earthy, peaty, sugary, peppery, and ashy. Overall, this was a very fruity and sweet dram with a moderately peaty finish. I enjoyed it but found it less impressive than some other releases from this distillery. My score is 84 out of 100.

Second time noting this. It has received a better score! It is quite fruity, round, and light despite its peat, it is at 50ppm but one could think it is at 2, as well as its alcohol content at 57°, whereas most people wouldn't even give it 50°. In short, the saying of an iron fist in a velvet glove is a good image to represent its balance. It is just a bit too expensive for what it is.

What's not to adore about Kilchoman? Even a mediocre one surpasses many whiskies. The Calvados influence is quite subtle, yet the fundamental character of this pour is superb. A great bottle, undeniably Kilchoman. I'm not let down, though I wished for a bit more apple flavor.