Kilchoman 2009 Vintage Cask Sample

I took part in a lovely Kilchoman tasting led by the always funny James Wills, son of Kilchoman founder Anthony. He had brought a little something special for the occasion: a cask sample from a cask that would later in the year become part of a new release (when you read this, that release has already seen the light of day). I felt it was a good idea to put it head-to-head to said release. This is a sample from one bourbon cask that later became part of the new 2009 Vintage release.

The nose, at the very least, is stury. Loads of citrus notes and some ship’s rope. Typical maritime elements as we are used to from Kilchoman. Some olive oil and oyster sap. A big herbal note as well as if from rotting plants (not an offnote!). The peat is present, albeit somewhat discrete.

It will not come as a surprise that this is a sturdy fellow on the palate as well. Salty and peaty with a sweet base. Think apples, vanilla and lots of citrus fruit. The peat evolves towards play-doh and earth. This is wonderful.

The finish is long and spicy.

This is a wonderful Kilchoman that would yield a lot of praise on its own. I wonder what that Kilchoman 2009 Vintage will taste like, considering that it will be cut to 46% and that this is just one of the casks in the mix.

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