It is never too late to introduce a good whisky! Originally, I bought the new Kilchoman STR Cask Matured at Kiel Whisky Fair a few days before its official launch in Germany. This would have been a great opportunity to feature it on my blog directly on launch day. But somehow I let this chance slip by. So instead of being first to the party, I now stumble through the door two-and-a-half months late. Well, never mind. Cause one way or another, this peated single malt Scotch whisky from Islay’s family-owned farm distillery is an absolute treat. It was matured in so-called STR casks for seven years. “STR” stands for “shaved, toasted, recharred”. This special way of cultivating the wood was invented by the late Dr. Jim Swan, a man substantially involved in getting the Kilchoman distillery off the ground. This makes the STR Cask Matured all the more special. On the one hand, I find it beautiful to see part of Jim’s legacy manifest in such an outstanding dram. And on the other hand, I am happy that one of my fave distilleries came up with such a top-notch release! When I arrived at Kiel Whisky Fair, I did not intend to buy a Kilchoman because I had just purchased a 12-year-old single cask from them the week before. But when I sipped it at the booth of their German distributor Alba Import, I could not help but purchase a full bottle – so very much did I enjoy this whisky!
by Tobi
Eye: Orange-brown with swift, slender legs.
Nose: The nose is complex, rich and spicy. It is strong and well pronounced, but not over-powering. I get dried tobacco leaves, banana chips, pink pepper and rosehip tea as well as sweet dates and soft mango. The mix is accentuated by woody and mossy scents. The quintessential dose of smoke comes in the form of burning paper sheets and steaming tar.
Palate: Clover, nettles and wild honey produce an initial “veggie” sweetness. Then, a lot of bonfire smoke unfolds in the mouth. Beneath it, there is an underlying fruitiness from dark grapes, mangoes, bananas and lemons. Mineral notes and a nutty relish round the whisky off. The mouthfeel is more on the light side, but also full. When describing Kilchoman’s STR Cask Matured, the one word you want to use is “complex”. And if you are feeling chatty, you might want to add “smoky”, “fruity” and “tasty” as well.
Finish: Lasting! A big puff of peat smoke appears together with ground cocoa beans, dark cookie crumbs and a spoonful of wild honey. Vanilla pods, white peaches and brownish bananas make themselves known as well. And so does a savory caramel sweetness.
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- The dram
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- The label
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- In the glass
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- Promo shot (taken from KilchomanDistillery.com)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Scotland (Islay)
Age: 7yo (2012/2019)
Alc. volume: 50 per cent
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~80.00 Euro
Limitation: 14,500 bottles
More info: http://www.kilchomandistillery.com (Distillery) ; https://www.albaimport.de/ (German Distributor)
BarleyMania | Whisky & Whiskey 
Interesting that with all that complex rich flavour stuff, the lighter and sweeter notes (banana) etc still comes out. Must try based on this read!
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Yeah, it has a lovely interplay of flavors and a stunning complexity – but, of course, that’s just my take on it. If you had a chance to try it, I’d be curious to learn how you found it.
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Sounds like a whisky worth trying! Thanks for checking out my Hakushu Distiller’s review. What are your thoughts on Japanese whisky?
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Cheers, my friend. I like Japanese whisky a lot and have introduced several expressions (like Hakushu 12yo) on my blog. Unfortunately, the prices for Japanese whisky have risen tremendously here in Germany in the last years. So it becomes harder and harder to obtain.
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I get where you’re coming from. There’s a similar feeling here in the UK but drinking it is extremely enjoyable. I’m partial to a good Hibiki and Yamazaki as well.
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Total agreement here. Drinking a fine dram of Japanese whisky is always something special to me. Unfortunately, the only Yamazaki I have at home at the moment is a 5cl miniature of the classic 12yo. I am a bit reluctant to open it. Cause once I do, it will be gone in an instant. ;)
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