We assessed Whisky Reviews: Kilchoman (2022) 100% Islay, Madeira Cask Matured and bottled at 50% ABV. At $125, it carries the weight of expectation.
Nose
The aroma brings to mind muddied mulch and stinky hiking boots sitting in a corner to dry. The body is full of leather, like a baseball glove, and saline. It is smoky with a hint of butterscotch and almond. Drunken raisins greet the nose with gumption. It reminds me of hot buttered rum. There is lots of nutmeg and French vanilla. Among the soft earthen smoke is marzipan. s on both were surprising. To see why I preferred the Kilchoman Madeira Cask over the Kilchoman 100% Islay, you can read below. Kilchoman 100% Islay 11th Edition (image via Kilchoman) Tasting Notes: Kilchoman 100% Islay Vital Stats: 50% ABV. 20 ppm. Islay single malt made with Optic and Publican barley varieties from 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 harvests. Matured in 26 bourbon barrels and 7 Oloroso sherry butts for a minimum of 9 years. The 11th edition is limited to 12,000 bottles. 750ml $125. Appearance: 24k gold Nose: The aroma brings to mind muddied mulch and stinky hiking boots sitting in a corner to dry. The body is full of leather, like a baseball glove, and saline. It is smoky with a hint of butterscotch and almond. Palate: Orange zest and segments with simple syrup greet the tongue first, but what quickly follows is smoke and soot. The whisky has the taste of dirt. I can only describe it as hiding a cigarette inside your mouth so as not to get caught. Sharpie comes along at the end with a hot bite from the ABV. Final Thoughts: While I love peated Islay whiskies, especially when theyre stinky, the Kilchoman 100% Islay 11 Edition didnt please my palate. I dont mind the sootiness or smoke of the whisky, but it is the Sharpie flavored finish and stale cigarette notes I did not find appealing. Score: 3/5 Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Vital Stats: 50% ABV. 50 ppm. Islay single malt matured for 5 years and 3 months in 46 fresh Madeira hogsheads. Limited to 17,000 bottles. 750ml $100. Appearance: Blush/rosé Nose: Drunken raisins greet the nose with gumption. It reminds me of hot buttered rum. There is lots of nutmeg and French vanilla. Among the soft earthen smoke is marzipan. Palate: The sweetness hits, but it is hot and spicy. Compared to the nose, the whisky is more grainy like porridge than fruity. The dram starts off light and balanced, and then, like the flick of a light switch, it drastically changes. All of a sudden it is overpowered by tar, dirt, and campfire smoke. Final Thoughts: While I absolutely love the nose on the Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured, the overpowering tar flavor sets this whisky back. For the most part, the palate is great until it isnt. I wish the transition of tone and flavor was less drastic than it is. Score: 3.5/5
Palate
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
Whisky Reviews: Kilchoman (2022) 100% Islay, Madeira Cask Matured is a modest offering that, at $125, serves its purpose without distinction. Those seeking depth or complexity may wish to look elsewhere in this price bracket.
