The family-owned farm Islay distillery of Kilchoman has released a limited edition age statement single malt – the Kilchoman 13 Years Old. This whisky is the second oldest ever released by the brand, following last year’s 16 Years Old bottling. This limited edition expression has a bold 50 PPM (Phenol Parts per Million) and has been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, bourbon octaves, and ex-Calvados apple brandy casks.
Kilchoman is one of Scotland’s smaller single malt distilleries and is named after the local church parish. It is located on Rockside Farm on the remote west coast of the island of Islay. The first spirit was produced in June 2005 and the first single malt was released in November 2009. Kilchoman is independently owned and now has a production capacity of just over 650,000 litres a year, following a number of recent ambitious expansion of the facilities. It is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to grow some of their own barley and to have traditional floor malting in operation which like production capacity continues to grow.
After the overwhelming response to our 16 Year Old, I’m excited to announce the release of another age statement Kilchoman – the 13 Years Old. The ex-bourbon casks make up the large part of the vatting, lending that unmistakable Kilchoman character, while the addition of Calvados casks, which may surprise a few people, infuses vibrant green apple and fresh fruit notes into the mix.
Anthony Wills – Founder of Kilchoman.
Bottled at 50% ABV, this limited edition Kilchoman 13 Years Old whisky is initially available in the UK and across Europe. It will then be in markets further afield from selected whisky specialist retailers and priced between £85 and £90.
Our Tasting Notes
Light yellow in colour, this limited edition 13 Years Old is undoubtably an Islay whisky on the nose. It opens with notes of malt, ashy smoke, and lots of rich sweetness, like maple syrup, and also confected toffee. Underneath this bold smokiness is some fresh and juicy green apples and grapes, and a minerality character like hot beachside stones.
On the palate this whisky feels bold and characterful. There is an initial sweet hit of runny honey, toffee, and vanilla. Then a bold ashy smoke burns away and offers levels of savoury notes from damp moss to chalky minerality. There begins a surprising juicy fruitiness with fresh peaches and candied lime. Vibrant and crisp green apple notes sit underneath, as do hints of charcoal and white pepper. Some white chocolate and a further hint of surgical bandage appear late on.
The sweetness fades quite quickly on the finish but the finish itself remains long and mouth-watering. It is really quite savoury, with the damp moss and drying charcoal-like ashiness drawing the length out. All wrapped up in mouth puckering dryness and a definitive coastal minerality.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a complex whisky for a greatly appreciated price of under a hundred pounds. For many years, and many whisky releases, Kilchoman has been clearly showing what great spirit is being produced. Many of us have been eagerly awaiting these older expressions. This does not disappoint. With a sophisticated style of smoke that is somehow both bold and delicate, this whisky surprised with its fruity character and a clear streak of minerality. That smoke will stay with you both in your mouth and your memory.
