Kilchoman Machir Bay (2012 Edition)

It's an Islay Whisky... what else would you expect for the score? A beautiful expression, showcasing a typical Islay character with some unique elements. The lingering taste is the highlight of this dram. 46% ABV, pale straw color. On the nose: pepper, peat, rubber, smoke, hints of lemon, olives, and... socks, haha (but it's true). On the palate: Grapes (a really nice touch), pepper, Worcestershire sauce, strong saltiness, and spice. The finish is primarily spicy and smoky. Very skillfully made. Overall, I'm giving this Machir Bay, a young Islay dram (Kilchoman was established around 2005), a solid 94 out of 100. Cheers!

Whisky aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with a predominance of the former. Bottled without chill filtration. Nose. Inviting; vanilla, toffee, lemongrass, oranges, smoked ham, pepper, peat smoke. Taste. Smoky and fruity; baked apples, gooseberries, oranges, dark chocolate, hazelnut, cloves. Finish. Medium-long; a fruit salad surrounded by smoke and chocolate.

Nose: Salty smoke, herbs, and hardly any alcohol, everything you'd expect from an Islay scotch. Palate: Salt and smoke lead, quickly followed by a charcoal flavor, like a smoker with some burnt herbs left on the rack. Finish: Long and oily, the flavors linger as long as it takes for the legs to disappear from the glass.

From the initial aroma right through to the lingering aftertaste, you'll experience a sugary butter flavor, not like movie popcorn butter, but the sweet buttered bread you might get at Sizzler, if that makes any sense. That butter note is what makes this spirit unique; I would definitely buy another bottle.

I believe I sampled the 2019 iteration. The palate is vibrant, while the finish is overwhelmed by smoke. Overall, a truly enjoyable whisky. Nose: brine, vanilla, apricot, citrus zest, loose leaf black tea Palate: honey, chocolate, clove spice, light mint Finish: smoke, slightly astringent, black pepper, light tobacco

I'm uncertain about the exact year, but I acquired it in 2019. What a fantastic whisky. I was concerned about a strong bite due to its youth, but it was incredibly smooth. Light and smoky. It truly opened up with water, and the smoke became much more prominent. Excellent value, and I would purchase it again.