Kilchoman Machir Bay 2021 Edition Cask Strength Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Well overdue in Australia, our allocation of Kilchoman's 2021 Machir Bay cask strength edition has finally landed. In line with the entry-level Machir Bay, it's a vatting of x-Bourbon barrels (approx. 90%) and Oloroso Sherry casks. The focus on Bourbon wood combined with a natural ABV allows the quality and intensity of Kilchoman's spirit to shine. 18,828 bottles are on offer globally. Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder concedes, “...Cask strength whiskies are such a pure representation of a distillery and maturation, they're hard to beat.” Those sentiments are echoed in some extraordinary reviews and ratings. Add 50ppm barley to the mix and Machir Bay 2021 delivers everything you could ask for in young Islay: Exceptional power and drive with a savoury citrus-peat interplay that recalls the very best bottlings of Lagavulin at natural strength. Dig deeper and you might also find hints of oyster shells, ginger beer, cocoa and dry wood smoke. The freshness is stunning, as is the balance, while the lingering mineral-seashore aftertaste is like breathing ocean air. It's nothing short of a flavour extravaganza. Take advantage of what will be remembered as one of the finest Islay values of the year. Non-chill filtered. 58.3% Alc./Vol. Very limited stocks.

Other reviews... It pours a bright golden robe in the glass. The initial attack of fragrant peat smoke is followed by balancing aromas of prickly pear, yellow plum, and creme brulee. The warming and savory finish lingers for minutes after the sip. 99 points - Extraordinary, Highest Recommendation - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

...Lemon drizzle cake and dry ashy peat make for an entrancing nose. The palate is soft and milky yet expressive, with flavours of honeyed ginger and dry smoke on a long finish. 97 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2022

Notes from the producers... Nose: Opens with light, fruity notes influenced by our distillation. Being cask strength allows for intense waves of fresh green apple followed by candied tropical fruits. Lasting hints of dry, earthy peat smoke become the backbone for this release. Palate: Noticeably powerful at cask strength allowing for a concentrated palate combining citrus notes of lemon and orange peel. As the whisky opens it reveals a dominant honeycomb-sweetness that makes way for a profile driven by milk chocolate, provided by a Bourbon-rich maturation. Finish: A slight cracked black pepper spice combined with nutmeg. The oily, rich texture of this whisky delivers an increasingly smoky influence. Overall, a unique balance of heavily peated malt, slow distillation, and oak character.