Kilchoman Sauternes Cask 2024 Edition Single Islay Malt Whisky 50%

Sauternes is one of the world's most celebrated dessert wines — sweet, golden and shaped by what the French call noble rot. Kilchoman brought the casks home and let Islay's peat smoke meet a sweetness that usually belongs in a wine glass after dinner.

Expert's description

Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured 2024 Edition is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured in ex-Sauternes casks and bottled at 50 %.

Sauternes from the Bordeaux region is made from grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot that concentrates the sugar and creates an intensely honeyed wine. The casks carry that character into the whisky as creamy, almost buttery aromas and ripe, tropical fruit notes.

That combination meets Kilchoman's classic coastal peat smoke, and it is exactly the meeting of soft and raw that makes this release special: the sweetness never holds the smoke down, but instead unfolds around it.

Tasting notes

Nose

Creamy, almost buttery aromas of ripe fruit mix with fresh sea air and a discreet but clear peat smoke.

Palate

Rich caramel melts into grilled pineapple and delicate floral notes, while complex layers of tropical and candied fruit meet a touch of ginger and integrated peat smoke.

Finish

A lovely extension of the flavour, where balanced sweetness and lingering smoke give way to a full, round texture that lasts.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured 2024 Edition Islay Single Malt Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 50 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-Sauternes Casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Edition: 2024 Edition
EAN no.: 5060210707620

Flavour profile

Peated · Sauternes-matured · Tropical · Sweet · Creamy

Did you know?

The sweet character of Sauternes comes from a mould, Botrytis cinerea, that draws water out of the grapes and concentrates the sugar — in French the phenomenon is called "pourriture noble", noble rot, and it is one of the wine world's most prized accidents.

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Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured 2024 Edition Islay Single Malt Whisky

What is Sauternes, and why is it used for whisky?

Sauternes is a French dessert wine made from grapes affected by noble rot, giving it an intensely honeyed character. The casks bring tropical fruit notes and a creamy sweetness to Kilchoman's whisky.

How sweet is this whisky compared to Kilchoman's other releases?

It is one of the sweetest in the range, with clear notes of tropical fruit and caramel, but the peat smoke ensures it never loses its Islay identity.

Is Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured a good introduction to peated whisky?

Yes, the creamy sweetness makes the smoke more approachable, which can make it a good choice for those new to the Islay style.

Should this whisky be enjoyed as a dessert alternative?

It works beautifully after dinner thanks to its sweetness and full texture, often in place of a traditional dessert.

How do Sauternes casks differ from sherry casks?

Sauternes is a white wine with a focus on honey and tropical fruit notes, while sherry typically brings dried fruit, nuts and a spicier, darker character.

How many bottles exist of the 2024 edition?

The bottle count is not stated for this release, but it forms part of Kilchoman's ongoing series of annual limited editions.