8 Year Old 2012 The Kilchoman Club 9th Edition

The young distillery on Islay has quite the following and hence there is something like the Kilchoman Club. And hence nice club releases. This is the 9th edition already, a vatting of 4 oloroso casks (548, 549, 550 & 551) that yielded just over 1300 bottles. Thanks to my whisky buddy and Kilchoman adept Pascal I was able to try it. Oh, by the way… this is reportedly unpeated!

Nice sweetness on the nose that supports the maritime traits. I double check, because I’m surprised this is unpeated. I suppose the pipes were uncleaned, for I get lovely peaty notes. Pine cones, chocolate, walnuts and honey with raisins, a hint of lime… this is all good.

Nicely oily on the palate with a good strength. Lots of earthy notes, if you know what I mean. Nicely spicy as well. Hay, raisins, apricots, stewed pear in front of the hearth. Again a peaty note. Lovely smoke development and I cannot shake the feeling it’s more than just woodsmoke. It works like a charm. This is good. A big salty note kicks in, underlining once more the maritime character of this Ileach.

Wonderfully long, piquant and dry finish.

The good stuff. Thanks for the sample, Pascal.

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