Kilchoman STR (2019) Review

Distilled & Bottled by Kilchoman

Region: Islay

Type: Single Malt

ABV: 50%

Age: NAS

Color: Copper

For this release, Kilchoman chose 43 red wine casks which were shaved, toasted & re-charred (STR). This is a uniquely Scotch thing to do as every barrel is valuable in a land that has no oak trees.

But sometimes the effect re-charring a barrel has on whisky can produce varied results. These casks were filled in 2012 & bottled in 2019 without chill filtration or added caramel coloring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The nose begins with rich, sweet peaty character: cooked strawberry served with cream and sugary biscuits eventually give way to maritime notes of seaweed and sea spray before succumbing to a bonfire of driftwood.

Palate: The whisky provides a decent mouthfeel and transitions to slightly more savory notes. There’s a used ashtray, some roasted pork and ripe guava infused with smoke all combining for a unique experience.

Finish: Not too long and not too short, the finish gives more pork though it is more dry and smoky. I detect hints of toasted barley and some green watermelon before the lingering maritime notes from the nose return. The finish finally resolves into a pleasant smoke.

Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: This is a very delicious whisky. I enjoy the interplay of the the younger, peated spirit with the STR processed barrels. The wine influence isn’t burned out at all and works as a sweet supporting character to the meaty, maritime nature of Kilchoman’s malt.