Kilchoman UK Small Batch No.2

I have arrived to Islay's family owned farm distillery, the almighty Kilchoman. "Recently" founded in 2005, in my opinion this is the fastest growing distillery of the isle, in terms of flavor and quality. They have their own plantation of barley, and everything is done in the distillery premises, to make a 100% Islay whisky. This expression is the "UK Small Batch No. 2" which is special release,  bottled at 47.4%abv, matured 70 % in Bourbon Barrels, 10 % Oloroso Sherry Casks and 20 % PX Sherry Hogshead. On the nose, it is very farm like. Breakfast cereal; Very dim pleasant pepper, bacon. Cardamom and hints of orange syrup. On the palate, cheese cream with blackberry spicy marmalade super pleasant. Some orange syrup. Cereal and mild spice. After the first sip it gave me a very nice orange and cereal flavors; Vanilla waffer, amazingly sweet, orangy, tangy and mildly spicy. Spectacular. Aftertaste, is all about smoke and this cereal-like pop balls. Cardamom and ginger; Feels farmy. Overall, my first dram of this tasting was outstanding as most Kilchomans i have had in the past. Full of bold flavors and aromas, this is a very interesting, different single malt. My score for this beauty is 93 over 100.

Not too much peatty notes, cinnamon and spice linger, great winter dram

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Whisky Tasting, 08 January 2021). 1 of 1,260 bottles Bourbon, PX sherry & Oloroso sherry casks Nose: Peat and burned wood Palate: Sweet peat, orchard fruit (apple and pear), nutty Finish: Dark chocolate, clove, coffee beans This has a lovely, soft, peaty mouthfeel. A very nice, warming dram. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the tasting on the night, but the folk at GSC kindly sent me a copy of the video to watch later. This meant I couldn't see the results of the poll at the end!