Kilchoman 100% Islay 8th Edition

Ok this is from their 100% Islay range so all barley is grown on the adjoining farm, malted on site. The barley used in this edition is of the Optic variety. Released in 2018

This, 8th Edition is also a departure from others as it is a vatting of 23 bourbon barrels and 7 oloroso sherry butts filled between 2008 and 2012, it's the only version to include any sherry cask in the mix thus far. The outturn is 12,000 bottles which puts it in the range of a super ultra rare Macallan release.

Nose: Gentle smoke, sweet oak, the Bourbon cask influence is noticeable, soft grassy peat, full of embrocations & ointments. There's a slight maritime element, crushed seashells, a bit of fish oil.

Palate: Sweet, astringent with a bit of bite, apples, green grapes then a touch vegetal almost agave like in the front. Moves on to lots of sweet cask influence, spices and a creamy mouthfeel (likely from the sherry). There's a freshness throughout that's really pleasant.

Finish: Ashy, astringent black tea, a bit of menthol and vegetal peat. Smoke and a faint lingering sweetness.

Blab: Less ashy and burnt grain notes/peat than regular Kilchoman editions made from Port Ellen malt. The oloroso casks really helps balance out the more vegetal/grassy side of this one. A lovely soft Islay whisky, lots of complexity but you don't have to tease anything out, it's all there, doesn't drink like 50%.

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