Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured (2024 Edition)

Description

Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured Release (2024 Edition) Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (70cl / 50%)

The Sauternes Cask Matured has now arrived! The Sauternes Cask Matured limited edition has spent its full maturation in ex-sauternes wine casks. Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder, selected a combination of fresh and refill Sauternes barriques from two separate years, the youngest being from 2018, creating an extraordinary balance of buttery sweetness, barbecued pineapple, candied ginger and floral peat smoke.

Sauternes maturation is a challenge, particularly full-term maturation, that’s why it is so rare. Our first release of sauternes cask matured Kilchoman, in 2016, was matured entirely in fresh (first fill) sauternes casks for five years. The second edition, released in 2018, was finished for five months in sauternes casks.

This time Anthony decided on a vatting of 22% fresh and 78% refill casks from two distillation years. This roughly 3:1 ratio of fresh and refill casks creates the perfect balance of sauternes influence and Kilchoman character. Most of the refill casks selected were previously used for the 2018 sauternes finish release. Using sauternes casks for finishing is the ideal preparation for full maturation, the shorter finishing period extracts the most intense sauternes influence, creating casks that develop plenty of sauternes character without losing structure or balance.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Creamy, buttery notes with ripe fruits, hint of salty sea air and subtle peat smoke.

Taste: Butterscotch and floral notes combine with tropical and candied fruits with integrated peat smoke flowing throughout.

Finish: Sweetness continues onto the finish, balanced with clean lingering smoke and rich texture.