Kilchoman Machir Bay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Awarded Best NAS Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the IWSC 2016.

'Machir Bay' is the first general release from Kilchoman and is a vatting of 3, 4 and 5 year old whiskies, matured in fresh bourbon barrels and finished in oloroso sherry butts for eight weeks. Anthony Wills, Managing Director of Kilchoman adds “Machir Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on Islay, close to the distillery. This expression will give continuity of supply to our customers around the world. Each year we will add more mature malt to the vatting.”
The house style tends towards a sweet, fruity and smoky malt. Here the nose presents powerful scents of lanolin-ike peat, brine and white pepper followed by hints of ripe citrus peel. Several minutes later fruit and nut chocolate comes to the fore. Typically complex, but drier than the nose suggests, the palate shows excellent concentration; Lively spices mingle with citrus peel and dried fruit, lanolin and brine. The finish is fresh, tangy, mildly peppery with a subtle kipper aftertaste. An invigorating malt - possibly showing more peat than previous Kilchomans, too. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A thudding, thumping dram hitting you like a Dave Mackay tackle. Big peat, perfectly representing a big malt. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2019

... I detect strong and defined notes of dried bay leaf, seaweed, cabbage, starch, and dry stone — it’s a bone dry, herbal, vegetal aroma pointing to a maritime location on Islay; secondary whiffs pick up sandy beach, arid calcareous soil/limestone, hemp/rope, textile fiber, shellfish. Entry is piquant, intensely nutty, slightly prickly, with tastes of dill, brine, pickles, almond paste, sea salt, and it’s so acidic that it cleanses the palate; midpalate highlights the salinity, dill and almond in a wonderful display of melded flavors that lead into the finish, which is medium long, vegetal, ultra-clean, tight, and efficiently delicious. This whisky has no rough edges or wasted traits or twists and turns. A nimble, compact Islay malt that’s economically forward and seaside-splendid. Highly Recommended - spiritjournal.com