jonwilkinson7309
Kilchoman Port Cask Matured (2018 Edition)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
November 7, 2019 (edited May 3, 2020)
After sampling two rum finished whiskeys on a recent visit to the Copper and Oak in NYC, I decided to shift gears for my third and final dram, selecting the Kilchoman Port Cask Matured.
I've read the previous reviews here, many rather middling. Nevertheless, Kilchoman combined with port summoned me like the Sirens' song. While I didn't find myself dashed on the proverbial rocks, I quickly understood the ambivalence.
Dram by dram, I've become a big fan of this distillery. Kilchoman whiskies are robust and bold, but like a great blues guitar solo, there's plenty of space between the notes. It makes for a lovely drinking experience.
That space is not present with the Port Cask Matured. The palate comes across as distinct and competing bombs of sweetness and smoke that bleed all over each other. Nuance and complexity suffer accordingly.
I wouldn't say this is a bad whisky. But unlike the Kilchomans I love, it doesn't present as an exceptionally well crafted dram.
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@jonwilkinson7309 Thanks for the recommendations. Definitely looking to pick up a bottle from the core range and probably a specialty bottle too
@jonwilkinson7309 2019 Loch Gorm is very good. Drink it then add a few drops of water and let it sit..changes it a lot. It tastes like drinking an ashtray in a good way. I liked the earlier versions but not as much, the ones I had were quite rough 2019 us very refined.
@SolanaRoots The Loch Gorm is great. i haven't tried the 2019 batch yet, but based on some reviews, it may be among the better ones. I had a bespoke sauternes that was a higher ABV, but probably quite similar to the regular sauternes. It was fantastic, and I'll definitely grab a bottle of the sauternes when I have a chance.
@SolanaRoots I second that—-if you see the red wine one, grab it. Best Kilchoman I’ve had
@SolanaRoots I agree. If you see a bottle of the Red wine finish grab it. The recent sauternes was great as well. I really like the 2016 Machir bay I had as well.
@SolanaRoots Rum Finish, any Sanaig, any Loch Gorm (although the earlier ones are a little better). Actually, looking at my tasting journal, the only Kilchomans I've ever rated low are the Port and Madeira finishes.
Nice review! For some reason the Kilchoman range is scarce out here. If I do locate, which bottle would you recommend most?
Yeah I'm a big fan too but steered well clear of this one. Apparently the rum finish is amazing so definitely looking out for that one.