Kilchoman Impex Cask Evolution 2/2022 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead Single Cask 7 Year

Review #072 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 58.4% Comments: aged 7 years, peated to 50ppm, matured in a 1st-fill PX hogshead Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly, but legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Dark chocolate, wisps of campfire smoke, prunes, baked apples, honey glazed ham, and cinnamon. Palate: 34/40 Cinnamon raisin toast, plumbs, charcoal, more dark chocolate, a hint of dark cherries, and a little bit of something else that reminds me of grilled vegetables. Finish: 31/40 Medium finish. Smoky ash gets things started, then there’s a small splash of orange citrus before it turns bitter and drying. Oxidized and rusted metal comes to mind actually. The ending notes are of bitter oak tannins. With Water: A few drops of water brings out some additional sweetness on the palate and introduces some apricot, also adding a bit of salinity to the end of the finish. Total: 82/100 Final thoughts: When I purchased this bottle I was in a bit of a Kilchoman deep dive, and had wondered what a single cask Kilchoman might taste like. Then I found this bottle matured in PX (a favorite of mine) and couldn’t resist. I probably built up too great a hype in my mind, and it didn’t measure up. I’ve found that it needs a good 10-15 minutes to breath before finding it’s footing. It’s a good whisky but not worth the price tag. Price: $129 Would recommend: no Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.