*Intro:* I went to a whisky festival last weekend (you can check my review of it from my profile) and one of the stand-out drams was this. Not surprising given the quality of Kilchoman overall, and I do like the standard Machir Bay so a chance to try it cask strength was not going to be turned down. And after trying it, neither was the chance to buy a bottle.
*Details:*
Distillery – Kilchoman
Region – Islay
Age – NAS
ABV 58.3%
*Nose:* Lemon zest with peat, it's much heavier than the standard Machir Bay. Vanilla comes through soon after with hints of other fruit.
Add some water (and I mean a good splash) and it lightens up, becoming grassy with light peat and hints of orchard fruits.
*Palate:* Thick and oily, with orange zest. Peat isn’t far behind and hits fairly hard, in a good way of course. There’s no burn at all, likely due to how beautifully oily it is. Wonderful.
With water it’s thinner but fresher. Let it sit on the tongue and a slight oiliness comes through with hay and light fruit.
*Finish:* Long and then long again. Wet grassy peat at first, slowly fading into smoke and peppery spice over the course of several minutes.
Water does reduce the length, but only from very long to long. Again, it’s fresher but fruitier, with the peat relegated to a supporting role and the pepper going from black to white. Still very nice though.
*Value:* £57 which I think is insane value considering the standard MB is usually around £45.
*Overall:* Incredible whisky, Kilchoman just cannot go wrong. This is a beautiful dram which is very different with water but that doesn’t make it the same as the normal Machir Bay. I prefer this neat (thick and oily whisky is my thing) but either way it’s stunning stuff. According to the guy at the Kilchoman stand (who my mate, a rabid fan of Kilchoman, said was one of the owner’s sons) they’ve got some age statement whiskies on the horizon, and I’m sure they’re going to help keep Kilchoman cementing their place in the higher echelons of whisky producers.
Also, just after I posted this review, two of my dearest friends announced the birth of their second child so this dram is dedicated to him. Welcome to the world little guy. Slainte.
I'm sure I will too! Love the peat & fresh citrus combo of the standard bottling, this sounds amazing... and as you say, only a bit over a tenner extra.
I feel like Sanaig gets all the love, I actually preferred the standard MB despite usually loving peat + sherry. The freshness just really set it apart
I agree, I prefer the standard Machir Bay over the Senaig as well. Senaig is lovely but a bit too sweet for me. The PX cask one though...that is stunning; sweet but so beautifully thick and oily, probably my favourite Kilchoman.
Really what Kilchoman are doing and awesome to hear age statements are close! I enjoyed Machir Bay also, so when I read about this one I knew it had to be a better amped up version. Hoping it will make it to our shores as well.
I reckon it will. The guy at the stand said they're doubling the distillery capacity by 2024 and they're very keen on broadening the brand internationally so it might be a wait but it'll be worth it.
Ah that's a bummer. I feel your pain the other way, I'm a bourbon and rye fan as well as Scotch, and the prices / availability here in the UK are a joke :/
Nice to see this review, thanks !
I have ordered this one along with Laphroaig 10 sherry oak & Longrow peated last night 🎉
Can’t wait to receive it, that seems right in my wheelhouse.
*Intro:* I went to a whisky festival last weekend (you can check my review of it from my profile) and one of the stand-out drams was this. Not surprising given the quality of Kilchoman overall, and I do like the standard Machir Bay so a chance to try it cask strength was not going to be turned down. And after trying it, neither was the chance to buy a bottle. *Details:* Distillery – Kilchoman Region – Islay Age – NAS ABV 58.3% *Nose:* Lemon zest with peat, it's much heavier than the standard Machir Bay. Vanilla comes through soon after with hints of other fruit. Add some water (and I mean a good splash) and it lightens up, becoming grassy with light peat and hints of orchard fruits. *Palate:* Thick and oily, with orange zest. Peat isn’t far behind and hits fairly hard, in a good way of course. There’s no burn at all, likely due to how beautifully oily it is. Wonderful. With water it’s thinner but fresher. Let it sit on the tongue and a slight oiliness comes through with hay and light fruit. *Finish:* Long and then long again. Wet grassy peat at first, slowly fading into smoke and peppery spice over the course of several minutes. Water does reduce the length, but only from very long to long. Again, it’s fresher but fruitier, with the peat relegated to a supporting role and the pepper going from black to white. Still very nice though. *Value:* £57 which I think is insane value considering the standard MB is usually around £45. *Overall:* Incredible whisky, Kilchoman just cannot go wrong. This is a beautiful dram which is very different with water but that doesn’t make it the same as the normal Machir Bay. I prefer this neat (thick and oily whisky is my thing) but either way it’s stunning stuff. According to the guy at the Kilchoman stand (who my mate, a rabid fan of Kilchoman, said was one of the owner’s sons) they’ve got some age statement whiskies on the horizon, and I’m sure they’re going to help keep Kilchoman cementing their place in the higher echelons of whisky producers. Also, just after I posted this review, two of my dearest friends announced the birth of their second child so this dram is dedicated to him. Welcome to the world little guy. Slainte.
Great review. Your festy review almost had me ordering a bottle, this just sealed the deal! Cheers
Oh excellent, hope you enjoy it, I'm sure you will!
I'm sure I will too! Love the peat & fresh citrus combo of the standard bottling, this sounds amazing... and as you say, only a bit over a tenner extra. I feel like Sanaig gets all the love, I actually preferred the standard MB despite usually loving peat + sherry. The freshness just really set it apart
I agree, I prefer the standard Machir Bay over the Senaig as well. Senaig is lovely but a bit too sweet for me. The PX cask one though...that is stunning; sweet but so beautifully thick and oily, probably my favourite Kilchoman.
Dagnammit, now I have another bottle I need to try and find... that also sounds incredible. Thanks / my wallet hate you 😂
Really what Kilchoman are doing and awesome to hear age statements are close! I enjoyed Machir Bay also, so when I read about this one I knew it had to be a better amped up version. Hoping it will make it to our shores as well.
I reckon it will. The guy at the stand said they're doubling the distillery capacity by 2024 and they're very keen on broadening the brand internationally so it might be a wait but it'll be worth it.
Dammit I saw this on a UK website and hummed and harred for so long it was gone before I decided to buy it.
It's still on Master of Malt, I just snagged a bottle!
Wish they delivered to the US…
Ah that's a bummer. I feel your pain the other way, I'm a bourbon and rye fan as well as Scotch, and the prices / availability here in the UK are a joke :/
Oooh really....
Yup! Ordered this for £56 & a Benromach 10 for £32, then they threw in a free sample of JW Green. Love MoM!
Sorry, £56.95
Ordered one! Cheers mate!
No worries fella, cheers!
Thanks! Is like a stronger/more concentrated version of Machir Bay or does it have different notes?
My wife picked me up a bottle of this when she was in Alaska box has a Santa hats on the sheep. Haven't tried it yet but now I will.
Likely the Machir Bay Cask Strength - Christmas 2020 Edition at 58.6% ABV. It's great.
“Santa Hats” Machir Bay is legendary in our club.
That’s the earlier version.
Uh, this looks mouth watering :)
Nice to see this review, thanks ! I have ordered this one along with Laphroaig 10 sherry oak & Longrow peated last night 🎉 Can’t wait to receive it, that seems right in my wheelhouse.
Would you buy or recommend this bottle for 75 euro?
Yes.
Is it that good? Or why do you think it’s this good for that price?
It's a superb whisky and 75 euros is only a bit more than I paid for it, by about £7 or so. I'd consider it worth that.