The Rockside Farm distillery of Kilchoman is the youngest on Islay. This Winter 2010 Release is a 3 Year Old, matured on bourbon casks. It was bottled at the drinking strength of 46%.

The soft nosed it closed at first, but after some hand warmth I get a combination of sweet malt and dry peat. Touch of vanilla, pear syrup and a couple of drops of lemon concentrate.

This continues on the palate, supported by a healthy portion of cloves.

The finish is medium in length and ends smoky, spicy and sweet (i.e. nothing new).

A rather simple, young, but completely flawless Kilchoman. Still easy to get at around 60 EUR.

Comment on @markjedi1's review

The winter release is in our new Islay tasting, and we were all impressed by it. I tasted it head to head against the spring 2010 and thought the winter 2010 much better. Will report back from the festival on the 2011.

Dominic's review

Nose: red currant and blueberry mixing it with a Schnapps like spirit intensity and vaguely burnt oily dust, like you used to get off the Hornby train control box.

Palate: Rich, deep and smouldering. I think I must have missed a bottling because it's about a year since I had this and it's progressed beyond all recognition. There are still immature sappy barley notes floating about but they are more than compensated by the needle sharp spice intensity, the assertive peat and the rich windy, fruity notes.

Finish: Full, intense and excellently balanced between fruit, pepper and peat.

Pat says Nose: Oily. Grilled sardines and lemon juice. Taste: Lightish peat at first, building into a lovely balance of woodsmoke, juicy barley and citrus fruits.