2018 Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Kilchoman’s fourth and final limited edition of 2018 is a run of 10,000 bottles worldwide, finished in barrels that previously held sweet wine from Bordeaux. Unlike the previous edition which was matured for its full term in x Sauternes casks, this was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred into fresh Sauternes hogsheads for five months prior to bottling. The finishing allows the caramel and vanilla input from the bourbon barrels to be accentuated by the buttery sweetness of the Sauternes cask.

Tasting note: Bright gold. A little restrained by Kilchoman's standards: Sweet malt, vanilla, honey and apricots underscored by a coastal freshness on the nose as well as sprinklings of white pepper and sooty peat. The flavours are intense-yet-dry and distinctively maritime, infused with hints of bitter peel, salted caramel and dark chocolate. The final stages turn pleasantly peppery and astringent, lingering with citrus peel and sooty peat. Conjures memories of Johnnie Walker Black - as it was decades ago. 50% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Unpeeled Jaffa oranges on the initial nose, floral, with a whiff of iodine and earthy peat. Tangerines, milk chocolate, lively spices, and bitumen combine on the palate. The finish is long, smoky, and perpetually spicy.
89 points - whiskyadovcate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Spring 2019)