It’s Kilchoman day today at Feis Ile on Islay, and no better way to celebrate it from afar (sadly,but next year there is hope!) than drinking the latest offering from that excellent little distillery that you got to love. Time flies, and it seems that only yesterday i reviewed the 3rd edition of this expression. Let’s see how this one compares..
Kilchoman 100% Islay , 4th edition , 50% abv, RRP £64.99 (LFW)
Nose: Earthy peat layered upon sweet vanilla and cereals. Apples and quite a bit of citrus notes too. Faint smoke and bits of sea breeze. Creamy and not very peaty, quite restrained for the 50% abv, which is a good surprise!
Palate: Now were on Islay: Pepper & peat combo explodes on your palate. Boom! The peat plays first fiddle here with an earthy , sooty and dusty feeling to it. Barley sugars and vanilla shine through as well as the fruit.
Finish: Very dry. Bitter . With a lot of peat and smoke. Very long.
Seems 3rd and 4th editions share quite a lot (which is not very surprising), I think the 4th edition is less intense and smoky on the nose, while being a little more creamy. The palate is more similar, ad the finish is drier on the 4th edition as well. Quite similar and a good whisky indeed, while quite different from Loch Gorm 2014 (sherry cask). The ‘Loch Gorm’ is easier drinking being sweet and more appealing, while adding complexity with the sherry but this one feels more intense and Islay fans are going to love it. Price wise, It has gone up in price from last year, which is somewhat sad. Good solid stuff from the wee distillery.