CLASSIFICATION: Islay Single Malt.
COMPANY: Kilchoman Distillery Co. Ltd.
DISTILLERY: Kilchoman Islay Farm Distillery.
ABV: 46% (92 proof).
AGE: NAS (No Age Statement).
MASHBILL: 100% Malted Barley.
COLOR: Bright golden, translucent, with a tendency toward light yellow hues.
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Kilchoman Machir Bay, named after one of Islay’s most famous beaches, is one of the brand’s most intense expressions, registering 50 PPM (Phenol Parts Per Million). It is distinguished from Sanaig –the variety reviewed in the previous issue of Humo Latino– by being aged 85 percent in ex-bourbon barrels and 15 percent in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, which imparts nearly all of its distinctive character.
NOSE: Peat, dark chocolate, and a subtle citrus presence wrapped in notes of pineapple and dried fruit offer the majority of the olfactory experience in this version of Kilchoman. The notes of iodine and toasted malt make up the unmistakable personality of this Single Malt Whisky’s aromatic profile.
PALATE: It possesses an intense sweetness that integrates very well with the smokiness derived from the peat used in the malt drying process. Citrus notes combine very well with the presence of vanilla and toffee, and despite its phenolic intensity, the sweetness and smoothness on the palate are surprising.
FINISH: Its finish is long and intense, allowing one to enjoy the subtle combination of vanilla, smoky caramel, and the presence of fruit. Peat and iodine dominate the aftertaste without being entirely invasive, ensuring the main note never loses its sweet character.
COMMENTS: Founded in 2005, the distillery launched its first NAS expressions in 2009, and in 2012, it brought this label to market. Like the rest of its expressions, it does not use the chill filtration method or add coloring.
Machir Bay is located on the west coast of the island and is characterized by the multiple nautical accidents recorded on its beaches, which contrasts with its beauty. The intensity of this maritime history is something that the distillery has sought to preserve in this product, bottled with whiskies that –it is presumed– have been aged for up to five years.
PHOTOGRAPHY Kilchoman Distillery.
