Kilchoman Impex Cask Evolution 2/2022 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead Single Cask 7 Year

Review #072 Type: single malt scotch Strength: 58.4% Details: 7 years old, peated to 50ppm, matured in a first-fill PX hogshead Consumed after: first drink of the session Appearance (no score): A mahogany color. Swirling leaves a thin line on the glass that beads up quickly, but the legs form slowly. Nose: 17/20 Dark chocolate, faint campfire smoke, prunes, baked apples, honey-glazed ham, and cinnamon. Palate: 34/40 Cinnamon raisin toast, plums, charcoal, more dark chocolate, a hint of dark cherries, and a subtle note reminiscent of grilled vegetables. Finish: 31/40 A medium finish. Smoky ash starts it off, followed by a small burst of orange citrus before it turns bitter and drying, evoking the sensation of oxidized and rusted metal. The final notes are of bitter oak tannins. With Water: Adding a few drops of water enhances the palate's sweetness and introduces apricot, also adding a touch of saltiness to the finish. Total Score: 82/100 Final Thoughts: When I bought this bottle, I was exploring Kilchoman extensively and was curious about a single cask offering. Discovering this bottle matured in PX (a personal favorite) was irresistible. I likely built up too much anticipation, and it didn't quite meet expectations. I've found it requires a good 10-15 minutes of breathing time to settle in. It's a decent whisky but not worth the price.