Kilchoman Fino Sherry Cask Matured 2023 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Not the first time Fino sherry casks have been matched with a peaty malt, but intuitively, the pairing should be complementary. Kilchoman founder, Anthony Wills obviously thought so, sourcing twenty fino butts from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin in Jerez and ageing his whisky for over five years before bottling in 2023. If you didn't already know, Fino is a light, dry fresh and slightly salty style of sherry. Think of yeasty, saline notes with hints of Mediterranean herbs, fresh dough and almonds. It's hard to say if the Fino has had a positive impact on what is a profoundly maritime style-malt. It may have cancelled out some the distillery's latent fruitiness and heightened the salt'n'pepper tang. Overall the result is a slightly sedated but typically tasty and engaging Kilchoman, perhaps with more creaminess to the delivery than is usual. Wills adds, "The 2023 release elevates the fragrant green apple, stewed fruits, and sweet citrus while allowing for the unmistakable Kilchoman peat smoke to linger on the palate... another example of sherry casks working together, not against, our Kilchoman spirit." 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... An easy dram to sit back and just enjoy - a real bugger to try and analyse and get to the bottom of. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2024