Kilchoman 100% Islay 6th Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

First launched in 2010 a new edition of the 100% Islay has been released every year since. The concept of this whisky reflects Kilchoman's original vision of a 'Farm' distillery: all parts of the production process take place on site. The barley is grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at Kilchoman. The only thing that's not from Islay are the casks - in this case both fresh and refill x-Bourbon barrels. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2016 at 50% ABV, this was peated to a lower level to than Kilchoman's other releases and has a slightly lighter, fresher feel to it. Brilliant gold with pale straw edges. Brief air contact develops fresh sea-shore opening aromas conjuring sea-shells, kelp, smoked fish and a peppery warmth. Second pass finds sweet earth, lucerne mulch and farmyard-like aromas. Final inspection reveals cocoa, salted rice crackers and hints of peppermint. A superb Islay sniff that follows through on the palate with a juicy, oily cascade of chocolatey peat, lanolin and white pepper. Super freshness to finish with peaty, choc-ripple biscuits, vanilla and tangy spices carrying the aftertaste. Fades moderately long, tingly, peppery, lemon zest-like, then finally, tannic and dry. A lively, keenly balanced, all-Islay gem. Non chill filtered and natural colour.