This is the sixth and penultimate whisky from the Arrowine/Impex tasting in early November. And ah, we have reached my wheelhouse - peated Islay whisky. Kilchoman is my particular favorite - the quality just drips from it, in every aspect. It looks right, smells right, tastes right - everything about Kilchoman remains astonishing.
This time, I had this year's bottling of their flagship Machir Bay, bottled naturally (without filtering or coloring), at 46% ABV.
Nose: Maritime peat, ash, mild vanilla, pine resin, charcoal, cereal malt, and ocean essence (salt and seaweed and brine, but all together, and faint). This just exudes quality.
Mouthfeel: Extremely thick and full.
Palate: Peat, sweet cereal, ash, vanilla, heavy grass and heather. The grassiness is incredibly pleasant and delicious in this setting, when offset with the layers of smoke and peat and vanilla. Wondrous.
Finish: Peat, smoke, wood, light black pepper. Lasts a moderately long time. All the elements here are discrete and "pure," if that makes any sense.
Verdict: Still a quintessential Islay whisky, every bit as good as Lagavulin or Ardbeg or Laphroaig. The quality radiates from it. The peat is wide and oceanic, the smoke is layered and delectable, and the essential grassiness pulls everything together. Lovely.
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