Kilchoman Small Batch 2 (USA Release) Review

Distilled & Bottled by Kilchoman

Region: Islay

Type: Single Malt

ABV: 48.5%

Age: NAS

Color: Dark Gold

Kilchoman’s 2019 small batch release for the United States starts with standard Machir Bay which is then married with a Madeira hogshead at cask strength, this resulted in only 1,260 bottles that contained no age statement and was bottled at 48.5% ABV. There is no added caramel coloring or chill filtration.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A big plume of smoke jumps out of the glass and is paired with strong bourbon barrel influence of vanilla and caramel candies. Further nosing reveals sweet lemon and tangy orange peel followed by a savory scent of barbecued meats

Palate: The mouthfeel is light but clean with a citrus-forward palate of lemon zest and a slight, bitter grapefruit note. While the smoke is more subdued, there is a touch of maritime influence and peppery spice

Finish: Short to medium in length, the citrus notes takes a back seat making way for a smoky bonfire and salty seaweed

Rating: 6/10

Conclusion: Although this is an enjoyable pour, I find I prefer the standard (and cheaper) Machir Bay to this bottling. The lighter mouthfeel and shorter finish blunt an otherwise tasty pour. If you consider yourself a Kilchoman fan, it is interesting to see the Madeira cask’s impact of a more nuanced layer of citrus on the standard Machir Bay bottling.