Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Kildalton Release 2024 19 Years - Living Souls
A whisky from Islay, a blended malt with Ardbeg roots, matured for a full 19 years - you'd expect a massive smoke bomb with a good dose of character. And that's exactly what the Kildalton Release 2024 from Living Souls delivers - but with an unexpected depth and a good pinch of surprise.
Tasting Notes
Nose
As soon as you raise the glass, you know: There's a fire here. Wisps of bacon smoke, barbecue charcoal, liquorice and espresso fill the nose. These are joined by pulled pork, honey and a hint of coniferous wood. An intense, yet harmonious flavour.
Palate
The palate continues just as powerfully: warm embers, earthy tones, honey-bacon and dark cherries. The combination of sweet smoke and red fruit is simply brilliant. This is joined by salty olives, a strong peaty note and a pleasant spiciness that rounds off the flavour. The 42% alcohol is well integrated and ensures a full-bodied, warm mouthfeel.
Finish
The finish is long and voluminous, but still pleasantly soft. Sweet oak, liquorice and a hint of tobacco linger as the smoke slowly evaporates. Not a brutal finish, but one with style - smoky, sweet and with just the right amount of spice.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
This Kildalton 2024 brings together the smoky Islay power with a surprisingly sweet, almost gentle side – a true pleasure that leaves you wanting more. For fans of character and drinkability, it’s a bullseye, delivering aromas of honey, bacon, and dark fruit that simply make it fun to enjoy.
Sascha 86/100
The Kildalton Release 2024 impresses with its balanced interplay between intense peat smoke and sweet, fruity nuances, all wrapped in a complex, harmonious structure. The 19 years of maturation give it a pleasant depth and a long-lasting, elegant finish that is technically perfectly tuned.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Living Souls. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kildalton Release 2024 from Living Souls stand out compared to other Islay whiskies?
The Kildalton Release 2024 is a 19-years blended malt with Ardbeg roots that, despite its intense smokiness, offers surprising depth and a balanced combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
How does the 19-year maturation influence the taste of this Islay whisky?
The long maturation imparts a complex structure where robust peat and smoke notes harmonize with sweet elements like honey and dark cherries, while the wood contributes to a smooth, lingering finish.
Which flavor notes should one particularly pay attention to in the Kildalton 2024?
Particularly notable are the bacon-like smoke, grilled charcoal, licorice, and espresso on the nose, as well as on the palate the combination of honeyed bacon, dark cherries, salty olives, and a pleasant spiciness.