Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release Islay whisky 46%

Before Machir Bay got its name and its permanent spot in the range, Kilchoman released whisky in seasonal glimpses — one release for spring, another for summer. Spring 2011 is one of the last chapters in that era, before the distillery found its steady course.

Expert's description

Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, bottled at 46 %.

In the years following its 2005 founding, Kilchoman regularly released small, season-named bottlings — Autumn 2009, Spring 2010, Summer 2010, Winter 2010 and finally Spring 2011 — each a snapshot from a distillery still finding its identity. All sold out shortly after launch.

In 2012, Kilchoman decided to gather its standard release under one name, Machir Bay, and the season-named releases became history. Spring 2011 is therefore one of the last bottles from this period still to be found.

Tasting notes

Nose

Young, fresh peat smoke meets citrus peel and a hint of vanilla sweetness, with a light saline undercurrent of sea breeze.

Palate

Direct and energetic, with peppery smoke, honey and a touch of green apple that gives a fresh counterpoint to the intensity.

Finish

Medium length, dry and smoky, with a final trace of citrus and wood.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release Islay Single Malt Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled
Edition: Spring 2011 Release

Flavour profile

Peated · Young · Citrus-fresh · Maritime · Spicy

Investment potential

Medium. The season-named releases from 2009-2011 were succeeded by Machir Bay in 2012 and are no longer produced, making Spring 2011 a rare glimpse of Kilchoman's early history.

Did you know?

Spring 2011 is one of the last releases from the period when Kilchoman named its bottlings after the season rather than a standing series — a practice that ended when Machir Bay launched as the distillery's permanent standard release in 2012.

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Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release Islay Single Malt Whisky

What does the name Spring 2011 Release mean?

It refers to the period when Kilchoman named its releases after the season and year rather than a standing series. Spring 2011 is one of the last releases in this tradition.

Why did Kilchoman stop making season-named releases?

In 2012 the distillery consolidated its standard release under the name Machir Bay, making the earlier seasonal releases redundant.

How does an early Kilchoman release like this taste?

It is rawer and more direct in style than today's Machir Bay, with sharper smoke and less of the roundness that later years of experience have brought to the house's newer releases.

Is Spring 2011 a good investment for a collector?

It belongs to a now-discontinued release series from the distillery's early years, which historically makes this type of bottle harder to find as the years pass.

Should this whisky be served neat or with water?

Try it neat first to experience the full, youthful intensity, then add a few drops of water if you want to open up the citrus notes.

How many bottles exist of Spring 2011?

The bottle count is not stated for this release.