2014 Kilchoman Single Cask #14/1007 Australian Exclusive Sauternes Cask Finish Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The Australian importer's single cask selection was aged in fresh Bourbon wood for just over six and a half years, then spent a further eighteen months finishing in an x-Sauternes Hogshead (sweet white wine from Bordeaux). While Kilchoman have previously released bottlings that were fully matured in Sauternes casks, this nevertheless ranks as an extended secondary maturation, compared to 5-6 months that many might consider the 'norm'. Consequently, if you're used to the style of core releases like Machir Bay or Sanaig, this offers a different Kilchoman experience. On the nose, the usually effusive maritime character is offset by notes of bush honey, dried apricots and jaffas with just a little iodine/menthol lift contributing freshness. Flavour wise, it's quite an attack - mouthfilling, textural and oily with a malty mid-palate followed by a tang of tangerine peel and a spike of heat. The Sauternes cask almost gets the better of the peat, leaving you with residual notes of sweet tobacco, chimney soot, menthol rub and dark chocolate. An after dinner treat. 56.3% Alc./Vol. 50ppm. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the importers... Nose: Driven by notes of vanilla and rich apricot with an elegant underlying peat smoke. Palate: Opening rich honey-sweetness makes way for an intense influence of almond followed by a classic Kilchoman peat smoke combined with toasted oak. Finish: Dried fruit, lemon zest and rich spice balanced with a long-lasting malty sweetness.