Kilchoman Madeira Cask 2021

Review #005 Category: single malt scotch Alcohol content: 50% Details: No Age Statement, aged in ex-madeira casks Consumed after: Kilchoman UK Small Batch No. 3 Appearance (no score): Deep red color. When swirled, a thick film clings to the glass, and the legs form slowly. Nose: 16/20 Smoke, oranges, caramel, with some lemon zest. Palate: 35/40 Smoky, salty, tart tangerines, spicy cloves, and a touch of crisp green apple. Finish: 36/40 Extended and intricate, moving from walnut richness to dark baking chocolate to a salty note. A slight ethanol warmth persists throughout, enhancing the flavors before a very smooth conclusion. Total: 87/100 Concluding remarks: A remarkably well-balanced spirit offering both spice and smoothness, with numerous flavors harmonizing beautifully. The highlight of the evening; I'm very thankful to a generous sibling who gifted this to me. Cost: gift Recommendation: yes Purchase intent: yes Scoring Guide: 96-100: Perfection, truly exceptional, divine, a bottle to be cherished and savored, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, possesses a special quality, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Excellent to outstanding, nearly flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Very enjoyable, but not quite breathtaking, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable with flaws, unlikely to repurchase, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid drink, but not worth seeking out, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Best suited for cooking or pouring down the drain, 2.5 stars or less.

It smells like it's actively on fire. Thankfully, it tastes better than the aroma suggests, although the smoke is more dry and ashy than peaty. It's quite rich, with the flavor building to a lovely spice and some underlying sweetness. Quite good all around. Points were deducted for the unpleasant smell; I'm glad the taste is superior.

Appearance: Pale caramel hue. Smell: Smoky yet harmonious, leaning towards fruitiness with hints of caramel or butterscotch. Flavor: Exceptionally smooth, well-proportioned, and appropriately sweet. The peat is present but not dominant. It features pleasing fruit undertones and some oak. A thoroughly pleasing experience.

Aroma is lightly smoked with a bit of peat. In taste, it's even more pronounced, nicely oaked with light rum-like notes, plus a peat aftertaste and continuous smokiness throughout. Light floral notes appear in between.

The Madeira aging masks many flaws. It smells like an ashtray, but the smoke is surprisingly subtle and easy to handle. A contender for peat of the year.

Incredibly tasty. The peat and sweet notes are perfectly balanced. It brings to mind the Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira.