Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019
Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019, 7 YO, 50 %
I do enjoy Kilchoman whisky from the Isle of Islay, Scotland. They are often big, bold and meaty in character. Today I am trying the Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019. STR is an abbreviation for Shaved, Toasted, and Re-charred.
Here are a few more details from the Kilchoman site:
A creation of the late Dr Jim Swan, STR refers to a specific formula for the Shaving, Toasting and Re-Charring casks.
Cask ends are removed from fresh red wine hogsheads. The outer layer of wine soaked oak is shaved to expose a combination of lightly-soaked and virgin oak. These inner layers are then toasted using oak chips to caramelise the virgin oak sugars and vanillins. Finally the casks are re-charred to maximise flavour extraction.
This expression was released in May 2019. A total of 43 casks resulted in an outturn of 14500 bottles. The peat level is 50 ppm, and it is bottled at 50 % ABV.
You can buy the Kilchoman STR Cask Matured 2019 in Norway at NOK 1199 (1391001).
Nose: At first a bit less meaty and a bit less peaty on the nose than the average Kilchoman. A touch earthy, also with the red berries. With time a lot more meaty and now also with salted chocolate.
Taste: Rich mouthfeel and medium body. Caramel, soy sauce, chocolate and coffee with milk. Quite peaty. Hints of citrus. Sweet and earthy in character.
Finish: Long finish. Not a lot of development. Caramel sweetness, mild spices. Peaty and rich.
Comment: A sweeter Kilchoman, but still very much to my liking.
Score 88/100
Sláinte!
- Thomas
