Kilchoman 13 Year Old Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

2025 brings in Kilchoman's twentieth year. Ongoing success has seen to more growth. In fact, business is so good that production was doubled in 2019 to 650,000 litres per annum (for perspective, Springbank does slightly less than that). The distillery recently secured £22.5 million in funding to further expand its site and develop the brand globally. If that isn't enough, they've also announced planning permission for a rum distillery in Barbados.

Despite celebrating its 20th anniversary, older Kilchomans remain rare. That's now changing. This 13 year old expression follows the release of a 16 year old in 2023 which marked their first official age statement. Matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and octaves as well as Calvados casks, it's described as "Smokey but not too smokey, well balanced. Sea and salt is there, some fruit notes and wood. Overall well rounded whisky with good pear dominance". The producer's notes add aromas of fresh pineapple, hibiscus, and lemon sherbet, joined on the palate by dried apple granola, caramelised puffed wheat, buttered popcorn and peat smoke. Founder, Anthony Wills, comments, “After the overwhelming response to our 16-year-old, I’m excited to announce the release of another age statement Kilchoman: the 13-year-old. The ex-Bourbon casks make up a large part of the vatting, lending that unmistakable Kilchoman character, while the addition of Calvados casks, which may surprise a few people, infuses vibrant green apple and fresh fruit notes into the mix." 50% Alc./vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Matured in bourbon barrels, octaves, and calvados casks, this has excellent balance on the nose with pear, star fruit, heather honey, summer blooms, sand dunes, and breezy peat smoke. An opulent mouthfeel with harmonious transitions between flavors, it shows syrupy orchard fruits, brioche loaf, peppery smoke, creamy almond, vanilla sponge, dried pear, and orange peel. A mouth-coating finish brings sweet honey, woodsmoke, and banana. No water needed. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...The typical Kilchoman citrus, smoked bacon and hot mineral oil notes are immediately apparent. Smoked salmon, dried apricots and toasted grains are present as well. On the palate the smoke is more toned down than with younger expressions which is to be expected: instead there's subtle notes of granny smith apples and wholemeal bread. Finish is less ashy and more fruity than younger expressions. Good whisky? It sure is. does it appear more mature than the Machir bay or the Sainag? Definitely. But if that difference justifies the difference in price is up to you. At full retail price I would consider it much better value than almost any Diageo-Islay, but that doesn't say much. - whiskybase.com