In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Kilchoman distilled their remarkable 100% Islay 13th Edition whisky, using barley cultivated right on their farm. After maturing for a minimum of 8 years, they carefully selected 44 bourbon barrels for this year's limited release of 13,000 bottles, each boasting an ABV of 50% and a gentle 20 PPM peatiness.
"The 13th Edition marks a unique return to exclusively using bourbon barrels since 2019. Our choice of predominantly fresh casks imparts delightful layers of buttery vanilla and caramel flavors, harmonizing perfectly with the spirit's citrus sweetness," says Kilchoman's distillery team.
Nestled on the expansive Rockside Farm, covering 3,000 acres on Islay's north-west coast, Kilchoman dedicates 200 acres of high-quality soil surrounding the distillery to grow the barley essential for their annual 100% Islay editions. The barley undergoes traditional floor malting techniques, including germination and smoking with local Islay peat, creating the whisky's distinctive smoky character.
Each year, Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder, meticulously selects a combination of casks. In this release, he has chosen 44 bourbon barrels from varying ages, with the youngest casks at 8 years old.
Excitingly, these bottles are now available in the UK and Europe, and for whisky enthusiasts around the world, rest assured, they're on their way!
About The 100% Islay Range
Kilchoman's 100% Islay range is a collection of single malt Scotch whiskies that hold a unique distinction in the world of whisky production. Kilchoman is a relatively young distillery, established in 2005 on the island of Islay, which is renowned for its peated whisky styles. What sets the 100% Islay series apart is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional production methods, all on the island of Islay itself.
Here are some key features and details about Kilchoman's 100% Islay range:
- Barley Sourcing: The barley used in the 100% Islay series is grown on Kilchoman's own Rockside Farm, which covers approximately 3,000 acres on Islay's north-west coast. This means that every aspect of production, from growing the barley to the final distillation, takes place on Islay.
- Barley Malting: Kilchoman employs traditional floor malting techniques to process their barley. This includes germination and smoking the barley with locally sourced Islay peat. The use of peat in malting gives the whisky its characteristic smoky and peaty flavor profile.
- Distillation: Kilchoman distills its whisky in copper pot stills, following the traditional Scottish methods. The distillery pays great attention to the craft of distillation, emphasizing the quality of the spirit.
- Bourbon Barrel Maturation: The whisky from the 100% Islay series is aged in a selection of bourbon barrels. The choice of barrels can vary from year to year, adding a layer of complexity to each release.
- Limited Editions: The 100% Islay series typically consists of annual releases, each identified by its edition number. These releases are limited in quantity, making them sought-after among whisky enthusiasts.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Kilchoman's 100% Islay whiskies are known for their balance of peat smoke with other flavor notes, such as citrus sweetness, vanilla, and caramel. The use of bourbon barrels for maturation contributes to a rich and nuanced flavor profile.
- Sustainability: Kilchoman's commitment to growing its own barley and sourcing local peat for malting reflects a dedication to sustainable and environmentally friendly whisky production.
Overall, Kilchoman's 100% Islay series showcases the essence of Islay whisky, emphasizing the island's unique terroir and traditional methods. Each release offers a glimpse into the distillery's dedication to craft and quality, making them a notable addition to the world of Scotch whisky.
About Kilchoman Distillery
Kilchoman Distillery, situated on the picturesque island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, is a relatively new player in the world of Scotch whisky production. Established in 2005, it has rapidly gained recognition and respect among whisky enthusiasts for its commitment to traditional methods and its unique approach to crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies.
One of the distinguishing features of Kilchoman is its dedication to producing whisky using locally sourced ingredients. The distillery's barley is grown on its own Rockside Farm, which spans around 3,000 acres on the north-west coast of Islay. This emphasis on using locally grown barley allows Kilchoman to have greater control over the entire production process, from the seed to the final spirit.
In keeping with tradition, Kilchoman employs floor malting techniques to process their barley. This includes the crucial step of smoking the barley with peat, a practice deeply rooted in Islay's whisky-making heritage. The local peat imparts the distinctive smoky and peaty flavor profile for which Islay whiskies are renowned.
The distillation process at Kilchoman takes place in copper pot stills, following the traditional Scottish methods. The distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail during distillation contribute to the high-quality spirit that forms the foundation of their whiskies.
Kilchoman's approach to aging its whisky involves maturing it in a selection of bourbon barrels. This careful cask selection and maturation process contribute to the complexity and depth of flavor found in their releases. Each year, the distillery releases limited editions as part of its 100% Islay series, with each edition showcasing the unique characteristics of that year's barley crop and cask selection.
Kilchoman's commitment to sustainability is also evident in its practices. By growing its own barley and sourcing peat locally, the distillery reduces its environmental footprint and supports the local Islay community.
In summary, Kilchoman Distillery represents a modern revival of traditional Scotch whisky production. It is known for its dedication to using locally sourced ingredients, traditional methods, and sustainable practices, all of which contribute to the exceptional quality and unique character of its whiskies. With each release, Kilchoman continues to carve out its own niche in the world of single malt Scotch whisky.
[Photo Credit: www.kilchomandistillery.com]
