Kilchoman UK Small Batch No. 3

Review #004 Type: Single malt Scotch whisky Alcohol by Volume: 49.1% Details: No Age Statement, finished in ex-bourbon, ex-oloroso, and ex-Sauternes casks. Tasted after: Kilchoman Loch Gorm Appearance (no score): A deep gold hue. When swirled, it leaves a thick coating on the glass with slow-forming legs. Nose: 15/20 Vanilla, smoke, tart kiwi, and a very faint hint of lemon zest. Palate: 34/50 Smoky, briny, with notes of grilled peaches and something akin to sweet mead rather than honey. Finish: 32/30 This part develops, revealing notes of unripe bitter white grapes and more honey, resulting in a very sweet conclusion. With Water: Did not sample with water. Total Score: 81/100 Final assessment: I'm pleased I purchased this bottle during my trip to Scotland. It's less smoky than other Kilchomans I've experienced and possesses a distinct flavor profile. The higher alcohol content significantly enhances the experience. Price: £60 Recommendation: Yes Purchase again: Yes Scoring Guide: 96-100: An absolutely perfect dram, exceptional, divine, I will cherish this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, truly special whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to outstanding, nearly flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite enjoyable, a good drink, but not mind-blowing, 4.25 stars. 75-79: A good, enjoyable whisky with some flaws, unlikely to repurchase, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but not something I'd seek out, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Best suited for cooking or disposal, 2.5 stars or less.

Another exclusive bottling from the distillery, this was the UK Batch 3, specifically matured to maximize all its flavors and aromas. It was matured with 70% in a bourbon barrel, 5% in sherry butts, and finally 25% in sauternes wine. It's bottled at 49.1% ABV. On the nose, it's a bit grainy and somewhat pungent. Notes of tequila, salty and acidic prunes. It's like watering an ashtray. Very ashy. After the first sip, the aroma shifted to a fruitier, more peachy and tropical profile, though less intense. On the palate, it's very mild and gentle. Watery vanilla, extremely smooth. Faint ashiness and pineapple juice. Subtle ginger. A second sip brought notes of apricot and toffee. The aftertaste followed the same pattern. Ginger and vanilla notes, with a salty quality. Overall, it felt muted, which is why this may be my least favorite bottling from this distillery ever. Some of the flavors seemed diluted, and it could certainly be improved for a 49.1% ABV dram. My score for it was 20 points for each criterion, resulting in a total score of 80 out of 100.

Nose: Orange, light peat, spice Palate: Tart, slightly sweet, but very mild Finish: very soft I liked this, but each time I revisit it, it seems to lose its character.