Kilchoman Sherry Cask Release 11 Year Old Single Islay Malt Whisky 50%

11 years is a long time for a distillery that in its early years was mainly known for 3 year old releases. This sherry-matured bottling shows what happens when Kilchoman's peat smoke gets the time sherry casks need to reach their full depth.

Expert's description

Kilchoman Sherry Cask Release is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 11 years old, matured in sherry casks and bottled at 50 %.

Kilchoman is one of the youngest distilleries on Islay, founded in 2005, but has quickly established a style that combines classic Islay peat smoke with modern craftsmanship. This 11 year old sherry-matured release is an example of how longer maturation in sherry casks can add extra depth and complexity to the distillery's characteristic peated profile.

With over a decade in cask, the whisky has had time to settle and develop a noticeably more complex character than many of the house's younger sherry releases, without losing the freshness that defines Kilchoman's style.

Tasting notes

Nose

Rich dried fruit, raisins and dates, with warm spice and a hint of citrus.

Palate

Full and balanced, where the sherry's sweetness and spice meet Islay's characteristic peat smoke, with layers of nuts, dark chocolate and fresh citrus.

Finish

Long and lingering, with dark chocolate, toasted nuts and a salty sea breeze.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman Sherry Cask Release 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 11 years
ABV: 50 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry Casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled

Flavour profile

Peated · Sherry-matured · Full-bodied · Complex · Spicy

Did you know?

When Kilchoman was founded in 2005, it was hard to imagine the distillery would one day release an 11 year old sherry bottling — a reminder of how far it has come in less than two decades.

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Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman Sherry Cask Release 11 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky

What makes an 11 year old Kilchoman different from the younger releases?

The longer maturation in sherry casks gives a noticeably more complex and deeper character, with more developed fruit and spice, than the younger sherry releases.

How does Sherry Cask Release compare to Loch Gorm?

Both are sherry-driven, but with 11 years of maturation this release has a more mature, rounded profile, while Loch Gorm is typically younger and more direct in style.

Is this whisky worth it?

It combines an unusually long maturation for Kilchoman with a full sherry character, giving a depth rarely found in the distillery's younger releases.

Is this whisky suitable for a tasting?

Yes, it's well suited to showing how maturation time affects an Islay distillery's style, especially compared to Kilchoman's younger core releases.

How should this whisky be served?

Best at room temperature in a nosing glass, ideally with a few drops of water to open up the full complexity.

When was Kilchoman founded?

The distillery was founded in 2005 and is still one of the youngest on Islay, but has quickly become one of the most respected.