Kilchoman Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask Matured 2023 Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Like many others, we've been long-time fans of Kilchoman. Some go as far to say that no better quality peated malt is currently produced in Scotland. A small scale, hands-on approach and attention to detail make each release at least as good as the last. The 2023 PX Sherry edition is the first Kilchoman to be aged full-term in PX casks. You might consider five years old to be too young, but PX hogsheads can be aggressive; a shorter spell is often the best option to ensure a balanced result. Here, the citrus sweetness and peat smoke are beautifully married with the fruit'n'nut chocolate character of the sherry. Never too sweet, by the finish it's definitively Kilchoman; Vivacious and fresh, with a signature rush of maritime peat and tingling pepper fading into cocoa and wood smoke. Distillery character wins the day. Tasted from a 30ml sample. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. 23,000 bottles produced.

Other reviews... An exquisite combination of sherry fruit and peat smoke, with aromas of sultana, allspice, aniseed, nutmeg, cigar wrapper, Brazil nut, and licorice. The indulgent notes continue uninterrupted on the palate, with muscovado sugar, chocolate brownie, malt, and zested orange, winding down with rich dark chocolate and dried vine fruits into a soothing finish of raisin, peat smoke, and chocolate. (1,980 bottles for the U.S.) 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com

Notes from the producers... Nose: Sweet sultanas and raisins with rounded peat smoke and layers of liquorice and hints of citrus sweetness. Palate: Brown sugar and malty sweetness then orange peel, citrus, dark chocolate and waves of sherry sweetness. Finish: Chocolate coated raisins, oak smoke, mixed spices and lasting PX sweetness.