Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024
The Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 is a whisky for real Islay fans. With a full 57.0 % ABV and no age statement, the Kilchoman Distillery focuses on pure intensity here. Those who love peaty smoke, maritime notes and honest cask strength will get their money's worth - but does this whisky also have enough character to stand out from the competition?
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first nosing, the aroma of cold ashes rises to the nose, as if the campfire had just stopped smouldering. There is also a subtle hint of iodine, reminiscent of a fresh sea breeze. The fruity accents of green apple and lemon balm, which blend gently into the smoke, are surprising. A subtle vanilla note rounds off the flavour and gives it a slight, subliminal sweetness.
Palate
The whisky is oily and warming on the tongue. The ash dominance from the nose continues, paired with a dry, chalky note. This is joined by a hint of unripe peach, which adds a subtle freshness, while a fine saltiness is reminiscent of sea spray. The flavours are powerful, direct and uncompromising - typically Islay.
Finish
Kilchoman remains true to itself in the finish: voluminous smoke dominates, accompanied by a light oak note that gives the whisky some depth. A mineral component reminiscent of pebbles resonates and reinforces the earthy character. The intensity lasts a long time without changing significantly.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
This Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 delivers exactly what you expect from a robust Islay: pure smoke, a generous helping of drinking pleasure, and a straightforward, honest statement. While it lacks the exciting depth to become an absolute favorite, it’s definitely a solid companion for fans of rustic peat drams on a campfire evening.
Sascha 79/100
The Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 impresses with its powerful structure and precise balance between smoky, maritime, and fruity notes, yet its flavor profile remains comparatively linear. If you’re looking for a technically well-balanced Islay whisky with a high proof, this is a solid example, though it leaves some room for more complexity and cask nuances.
Value for Money: Excellent
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What does "Batch Strength" mean in Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024?
"Batch Strength" means that the whisky is bottled at cask strength, without dilution to a lower alcohol level. For the Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024, this is a hefty 57.0% ABV, which ensures an intense aroma and a powerful flavor.
Why does Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 have no age statement (No Age Statement)?
Kilchoman deliberately omits an age statement on this whisky to focus on the taste and quality. The maturation can consist of various casks and age ranges, which together create the whisky’s characteristic style and intensity.
Which distinctive aromas make Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 typical for Islay?
Typical for Islay in the Kilchoman Batch Strength 2024 are primarily the peaty-smoky character, the maritime notes with iodine and salty sea breeze, as well as the mineral hints on the finish. These are complemented by fruity and sweet nuances that add complexity and balance to the whisky.