Kilchoman Inaugural Release Single Islay Malt Whisky 70 cl 46%

Every story has a first chapter. For Kilchoman, this bottle was it — the very first whisky the distillery ever sent out into the world, and the proof that a small farm distillery on Islay could make something people would remember.

Expert's description

Kilchoman Inaugural Release is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 3 years old and bottled at 46 %.

The whisky was released in 2009 and is the very first bottle of malt whisky Kilchoman ever put its name to. It was matured for between 2.5 and 3 years in bourbon casks, before receiving a finishing period of 6 months in sherry casks — a recipe that set the tone for much of what the distillery has since become known for.

The release was met with considerable acclaim from the start, including 92 points from the respected publication Malt Advocate — an unusually high accolade for a distillery still in its absolute infancy.

Tasting notes

Nose

Young, energetic peat smoke meets citrus peel and a sweetness of honey and vanilla from the sherry finish.

Palate

Direct and spiced, with peppery smoke, sweet malt and a light fruitiness confirming the cask finish's influence.

Finish

Medium length, dry and smoky, with a final trace of raisin and oak.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman Inaugural Release Islay Single Malt Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 3 years
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon Casks with Sherry Finish
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Bottled: 2009
Edition: Inaugural Release

Flavour profile

Peated · Young · Citrus-fresh · Spicy · Historic

Investment potential

High. This is the very first whisky Kilchoman ever released, making it the most historically significant bottle in the distillery's entire catalogue.

Did you know?

When Inaugural Release was reviewed by the American publication Malt Advocate, it scored a full 92 points — an unusually high rating for a distillery that had only existed for four years at the time.

See our full range of Kilchoman

Listen to our podcast:

Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman Inaugural Release Islay Single Malt Whisky

What makes Inaugural Release a historically important bottle?

It's the very first bottle of malt whisky Kilchoman ever released, in 2009, just four years after the distillery was founded.

Is this whisky worth it for a collector?

Yes, as the first Kilchoman ever released, it's the most historically significant bottle in the distillery's entire catalogue, and this type of bottle can never be reissued.

How was Inaugural Release received when it launched?

It was met with considerable acclaim from the start, including 92 points from the respected publication Malt Advocate.

What is the cask composition of Inaugural Release?

The whisky was matured for 2.5 to 3 years in bourbon casks, followed by a finishing period of 6 months in sherry casks.

How does Inaugural Release compare to today's Machir Bay?

It's rawer and more direct, with sharper smoke and less of the roundness that decades of experience have since brought to the house's newer releases.

Should this whisky be served neat?

Yes, try it neat first to experience the full historic character, then add a few drops of water if you want to open up the fruit from the sherry finish.