Review #071 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46% Comments: NAS, matured in ex-fino sherry butts from Bodega Miguel Martin, one of 10,500 bottles Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Sweet on the nose, it reminds me of mesquite smoke and barbecue, but without any pepper or spicy aromas. It’s got sweet notes of molasses, tomatoes, plumbs, even a little salt, some mild vanilla, and mushy banana as well. Palate: 33/40 Nice oily mouthfeel, but it’s also got a strong alcohol bite. Not sweet at all in stark contrast to the nose. Smoke is the dominant flavor, reminding me of smoke off a well used and sooty charcoal grill. There’s also some other bitter flavors, like pencil shavings and rubber, which are balanced out by hints of honey and pineapple. Finish: 32/40 Medium finish. Starts off an a mildly metallic note before transitioning to something sweeter, mainly honey, then burnt honey accompanied by more smoke. As the sweetness fades it’s replaced by bitter lemon peel and oak tannins, ending on a dry note. With Water: A couple drops of water brings out some extra salinity on the palate and finish, but it’s almost overpowering. I think I prefer it without the water. Total: 81/100 Final thoughts: At the time I purchased this bottle, I was on a bit of a Kilchoman kick, I stumbled across it while on work travel and scooped it as I knew I wouldn’t have access to this back home. It’s a different experience than the other Kilchoman expressions I’ve tried as it’s got some unique industrial and metallic flavors. I’m glad I bought this and had the opportunity to give it a try, but I won’t be buying another to replace it once this bottle has been emptied. Price: $89 Would recommend: maybe 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.