Kilchoman Madeira Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

In 2010, approximately twenty Port, Madeira and Sauternes casks were filled for a full maturation period of 3-5 years rather than the industry norm of finishing the whisky in wine casks for just a few months. Released in late 2015, the Madeira Cask follows the release of the Port Cask edition in late 2014, both firsts for Kilchoman. It opens with a fascinating Islay nose that opens up in stages. Disjointed and peppery at first, rock lollies, peppermint, lawn clippings. A touch of Indian chutney. Further air contact highlights hazelnuts, cocoa, raisin slice and sweet, sooty peat. The smokiness is more salient in the mouth. Slightly hollow on entry, this bursts at the mid palate stage with vibrant spices, fruit'n'nut dark chocolate and later, heavily toasted fruit bread. Sweet, but pulls up drier in the finish as oily peat dovetails into the bitter cocoa fade. Excellent staying power. The luscious wine input matches the intensity of the smoke, pound for pound. 50% Alc./Vol. Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2015. Non chill filtered.