KILCHOMAN - 9 years - 2012 - 100% Islay Bourbon Single Cask - Bottled 2021 - 55.3% ABV
The Kilchoman Distillery, iconic and respected, was founded in 2005 at the heart of the Rochside farm, near Machir Bay, on the beautiful west coast of the island of Islay in Scotland. This unique artisanal distillery was created by Anthony Wills, an expert from the wine industry passionate about traditional methods and excellence. Invited by Mark and Rohaise French, owners of the Rochside farm, they chose an exclusively local production, embodying a sustainable and authentic philosophy.
The entire process is carried out independently: the barley is grown and malted directly at the distillery. Aging takes place on site, as does bottling, ensuring optimal traceability and preserved quality. The pure water used comes from a crystalline spring located on Cnoc Dubh, just above the Rochside farm. This Kilchoman Single Malt undergoes neither chill filtration nor caramel addition; its standard strength is 50% ABV, adjusted only with natural Islay water. Since distillation began in November 2005, about 80% of the whisky is matured in ex-Bourbon barrels from the prestigious Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky, while the remainder rests in 250-liter Oloroso sherry butts from the Bodega Miguel Martin in Spain. For more complex aromatic profiles, Kilchoman also uses a diverse range of special casks, including Sauternes, red wine, rum, Port, Madeira, Cognac, and several secret experimental casks, which significantly enrich the richness and depth of its whiskies. The distillery's two copper stills have an annual capacity limited to 90,000 liters, guaranteeing artisanal and high-end production.
This exceptional 9-year-old edition was carefully filled on January 26, 2012, into a unique Single Cask (No.17/2012) of the Bourbon barrel type, before being carefully bottled on August 16, 2021. Each bottle reflects the authenticity and rare character of this distinctive whisky.
Pronounced peated profile with 20 ppm (parts per million), offering a subtle balance between smokiness and aromatic complexity.
