Kilchoman Comraich Batch 5 - 55.5%
From the Kilchoman website:
The ruined Kilchoman Church stands proudly beneath the cliffs of Creag Mhór, half a mile west of the distillery. Chief amongst its artefacts are Sanctuary stones dating back to the 800s. Such sanctuary stones were commonplace in medieval times, marking an area of ‘Comraich’ or sanctuary in the local Gaelic language, safe from harassment and arrest.
Kilchoman Comraichs are a collection of sanctuaries, sheltered from the commotion of the outside world, dedicated to the enjoyment of Kilchoman Single Malt. Kilchoman Comraich establishments serve as bastions of Kilchoman with exclusive access to the Kilchoman Comraich batches. These are available exclusively from Comraich bars along with a wide range of other Kilchoman releases.
The Comraich series began in 2017 with Batch 5 being the latest incarnation, having arrived in the first bars in April 2022.
Batch 1 (2017): Consisted of a combination of one nine-year-old oloroso sherry butt and two ten-year-old bourbon barrels. Bottled at 55.5%
Batch 2 (2019): A vatting of three consecutive eight-year-old bourbon barrels. Bottled at 55.3%
Batch 3 (2019): A Single Farm Single Malt, comprised of a combination of oloroso sherry and bourbon 100% Islay casks filled in 2008 and 2010. Bottled at 55.7%
Batch 4 (2021): A vatting of three 2011 bourbon barrels, all over nine years of age. Bottled at 55%
Batch 5 (2022): Is a vatting of Kilchoman spirit which spent its full maturation term in fresh port hogsheads, all over seven years of age. Bottled at 55.5%
Tasting notes:
Appearance: Copper gold with a slight pink hue. Forms a thick line which breaks and falls as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Strawberries, raspberries, straw, honey, vanilla, lemon citrus and a little oaky nuttiness. A few drops of water bring out sea air, enhance the nutty oak and bring a more phenolic element to the peat smoke.
Palate: Soft entry which gradually builds on the palate. Herbal honey and earthy notes at first followed by red berries, purple grapes, lemon citrus, vanilla and chilli heat against a gentle smoky background. With water there is a touch more sweetness and smoke whilst the chilli heat is a little diminished.
Finish: Oak with a slightly tannic astringency, chilli and ginger spice, subtle peat smoke. A reasonably long finish with the spice being the dominant feature, with water both the spice and the length of the finish are reduced.
Summary: It’s a relatively young whisky, something made more evident at this higher abv, and that comes through with slightly harsh heat and spice. Despite that, there is plenty to really enjoy about this whisky. The red berry fruit and citrus notes, combining with a slightly grassy element make the nose a real delight. The palate doesn’t disappoint either, a touch of earthiness and the gentle smoke combine well with the fruit and vanilla. Water tones down some of the chilli heat, allowing more of the sweet fruit and peat smoke to shine.
This was a sample dram purchased at the distillery, and that raises the only issue I have with these expressions. The series is only available from Kilchoman Comraich bars, and it’s a real pity there isn’t one close to me as it’s a range I would love to explore further.
If you would like to know more about Kilchoman, the distillery and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
