Review #81 Kilchoman Machir Bay: Scotch

Score: 7.9 / 10

Distillery: Kilchoman

Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels similar to many scotches. However, in their own flair, Kilchoman is the only independent farm distillery on Islay. Founded in 2005, this is very much a craft label compared to other old Islay brands such as Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

Kilchoman is also the first distillery to be built on the island in over 120 years. So it's nice to see some new skin in the game to say the least. Plus surrounded by some heavy weights, I'm confident that they can get up to speed rather quickly. You might want to keep this one on your radar.

Store Pick Scotch is a rarity in my neighborhood so I was thrilled when one of my favorite stores picked a barrel of Kilchoman. I decided to grab a few bottles and give it a try!

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Apple hookah (my best friend and I used to smoke a hookah flavor called "Baharini Apple" and its reminds me a lot of that). Honey, green grape, touch of vanilla and oak

Palate: Mouth feel is viscous and creamy. So much vanilla and honey upfront, then it turns into green grape and green apple immediately followed by an intense charred tobacco.

Finish: Mildly tannic and long lasting. Smoky peat lingers with a touch of torched honey and oak.

Score: 7.9

Scale:

S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Common. Any medium store should be able to track this down for you. Store pick in the states though? Maybe a little harder but absolutely not necessary. Get out there and snag this while it's not well known.