Kilchoman Machir Bay bottled 2014

@Mackstine, does "young" = "immature" to you? If so, I can understand why you wish that Kilchoman Machir Bay were older, but not 1) that it has been for you "a long-time favourite", 2) nor why you would remark that it is "Nice to see the standard offering boast this level of quality.", nor 3) why you would rate the whisky at 87 points, a very respectable "mature-whisky" score.

As for Machir Bay, it is a whisky which I like very much myself. I would never insult it by describing it as "young" though because it is for me fully mature. As described in the heading of the discussion "YOUNG whisky?" I find the word "young" with respect to whisky to be ambiguous and misleading at best.

connosr.com/young-whisky-whisky-discussion…

Hi Victor, no, I do not equate young with immature, nor do I consider it an insult to the whisky. I think a good distiller who has access to high quality wood can make “mature” whisky at a young age, and I’m of the opinion that if they can do so well with a young whisky, certainly an older version would also likely be very good (not always, but one can hope for such things given that the distiller exhibits what appears to be good habits).
Having said that, I must admit I had not read your post prior to making this review and I must say that I do agree with it. Thanks for your comments, I think it is worthwhile to give that style of description of thought before I post the next review. Slainte

@Mackstine, slainte!

Yes, the solidly good can usually get even better.

If common wisdom (i.e., anonymous internet chatter) be true, then the age-defying quality of Kilchoman owes more to narrow still cuts than to wood selection—though doubtless, the latter plays its role too.

(The same supposedly goes for other newer Scottish malt distilleries too, like Wolfburn and Kilkerran.)

@MadSingleMalt @Victor @Mackstine I love Machir Bay too. I'm becoming fascinated by these distilleries that produce such 'age defying' quality whisky. As an aside I did the Kilchoman tour a few weeks ago. They have the smallest spirit still I have ever seen in a distillery. Thy are also building more stills too, so will be an interesting one too watch!

I have really liked the two Kilchomans I have tried: Machir Bay and 100%Islay. I now really want to try the Loch Gorm. Also willing to try anything Kilkerran puts out.

These young distilleries are to the old guard kind of like the new breed of young golfers are to Tiger. They've got energy, creativity and a commitment to quality. They're making statements.

@BlueNote Haven't had them all, but Loch Gorm is my favourite Kilchoman so far!

My favorite was an 100% Islay (not the 100% Islay).

I've never had anything bad from them, and I've had a few Machir Bays, Loch Gorm, that 100% Islay I referred to, and whatever they were serving at the pub in Bridgend, Islay, in May 2010. Next one on deck is a red wine single cask from K&L.