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Kilchoman US Small Batch Release No. 6
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
March 20, 2022 (edited March 21, 2022)
Batch #6. 1260 bottles. Label states this is a blend of 70% bourbon barrel, 25% PX barrel, and 5% oloroso barrel. The bourbon and oloroso are cut to 46% ABV with the PX bottled at cask strength (no ABV given). This then lands at 47.9% ABV all told.
N: Lemon, mango, and smoked caramel. Something like a mezcal smoked agave note. Then the PX comes in with a big, sticky red fruit. The peat is more subtle than most Kilchoman - just the smoked notes and some floral influence. Really nice nose.
P: Lemon curd, cinnamon and caramel sticky buns, and smoked vanilla frosting. Mid palate is more lemon with some other citrus with something like a very mild smoked fish note, something a little briny. It's hard to describe. But whatever else it is, it's delicious. Finish is cherry cough syrup with more smoked caramel and vanilla plus some baking spice. Great mouthfeel with a thick, oily, coating texture.
This is excellent. Kilchoman seems to do well with various sherry finishes, and this is that, but in a very different way. Great balance with the cut bourbon influence next to the cask strength PX. It's juicy, but not only that and not overly sweet. Super interesting and smart use of the casks. This has been probably my favorite Kilchoman yet. I'm about to kill the bottle and sad to see it go. But I'll certainly be looking for the next USA small batch, whatever it is, because this bottle shows how much thought and care goes into making these releases (in my mind anyway).
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