Whisky Review – Kilchoman UK Small Batch, Batch No.2
It is no secret that we are BIG fans of Kilchoman over here at The Dram Duo. We have written about their core-range Sanaig release as part of our #bottlekill series, the RMW Exclusive Mezcal finish featured on our Single Cask Saturdays series, and we have attended many of their virtual tastings!
Our advent calendar wouldn’t have felt complete without a Kilchoman dram, so we opted to try the UK Small Batch, Batch 2. These are our thoughts …
Kilchoman Distillery …
The first distillery to be built on Islay in over 120 years; the Kilchoman Distillery was founded in 2005 by the Wills Family. Their 100% Islay philosophy is embedded in the very heart of the distillery. As a farm-to-bottle production, they produce Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. All their whisky is non-chill filtered and natural colour.
With a limited core-range, they produce a number of limited expressions each year, including a selection of small-batch releases for particularly geographic markets.
Tasting Notes …
Kilchoman UK Small Batch, Batch No.2 – 47.4% ABV
Released exclusively to the UK market in 2020, this particular release was created using a mixture of bourbon, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximenez casks. A small run of 1,260 bottles – the clue is in the name! – it is now out of stock at most major retailers, although we’re sure you can probably find a bottle on an auction site if you try hard enough! Originally available for roughly £60 a bottle, it sits squarely in the middle of your typical Kilchoman price range.
Nose: light peat smoke, floral notes, honey, grassy element, straw, earthy mud, quite chocolatey, buttered American pancakes, hints of maple syrup
Palate: tropical fruits, pineapple, milk chocolate, dried red fruits, overripe pear, orchard fruits, subtle peat smoke
Finish: damp straw, earthy peat smoke builds, sweetness gives away to savoury nuttiness, baking spices and clove
Unmistakably Kilchoman, I think everyone knows at this point that their spirit pairs particularly well with bourbon and sherry casks! This particularly combination creating an easy late evening lazy sipper with just enough depth of flavour. Slightly more subtle than their core range, would highly recommended if you can find some.
We’re glad we got to try this UK Small Batch, and it’s tempting us to look at their other small-batch releases. In particular the UK Small Batch, Batch 3 – released only recently – a mixture of bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and sauternes!
Have you tried any of the Kilchoman Small Batch range? Let us know your thoughts!
The Dram Duo 