It’s always a good day when new Kilchoman single malt whiskies come into stock. They’re continually pumping out exciting new whiskies from the small Islay farm distillery that never fail to impress, and these two beauties have the right combination of substance and specs.
The new U.S. Small Batch #5 is bottled at 48.3% ABV and uses 25% Sauternes Cask, 70% Bourbon barrel, and 5% Sherry cask-matured single malts for the marriage. According to the notes, the Sauternes cask was added at full proof after the others were proofed down, bringing layers of peaches, honey, and a lovely sweetness. That one comes in at $79.95.
Then you’ve got the new Kilchoman BIB (Bourbon Influenced Batch), in a play on words with the American Bottled In Bond distinction. As you can imagine, it’s bottled at 100 proof like all bonded Bourbons, and was aged 9 years in wheated Bourbon casks. Given what 10+ year old Kilchoman sells for these days, the idea of a 9 year old in straight Bourbon casks at 50% ABV for $89.99 is a downright deal in my book!
Grab ‘em while they’re hot!
-David Driscoll