Single Cask Nation Kilchoman 4yo (58.4%): Single Cask Nation is a fairly new online whisky community founded by Joshua Hatton of Jewmalt, Jason-Johnstone Yellin of Guid Scotch Drink and Seth Klaskin. They visit distilleries all over the world, carefully choose casks and offer independently bottled single cask expressions to their members. For now they have four different releases in their portfolio but it looks like other new releases are on their way soon. Like I mentioned before I received two samples of their line-up during Whisky Live Boston a week ago. Although I was really excited I didn't have a chance to taste them throughout the week. So, here I am at my desk at a Saturday night with the first sample from Kilchoman, Islay's youngest distillery... It is is bottled at 58.4% abv from a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel numbered as #378/07. Color: Very pale yellow like you would expect from a four year old whisky. Nose: Not properly cleaned but emptied ashtray hits the nose first. Still warm and fuming fireplace ash you would smell after you wake up in the morning on a cold winter day. Very dusty and chalky... Smoking hot tar. Did you ever watched those fascinating giant tar laying machines? I used to watch them in my childhood for hours and that's exactly how my clothes were smelling when I was back home. Adding water brings cold ocean spray and salt. Now the smoke is sweeter and gentler. Old metal workshop and thick grease built up on heavy machinery. Wow, I could nose this beauty easily for another hour. Palate: Exactly what I was hoping for after that nose: Dusty soot, barbecue charcoal and graphite. Pretty hot on the tongue, adding water is not a bad idea. All the dust washed off with the water addition. It gets oily like the nose changed after a few drops of water but this time a thinner oil. More like a sewing machine oil. Condoms and rubber gaskets. You should be careful with the amount of water you add though. A few drops will be enough. Finish: Medium long with black pepper and WD-40. Overall: Where did they find this cask? It has such a unique and distinct character. Not as grassy and way more coastal than you would expect from a Kilchoman. To be honest I was thinking to join Single Cask Nation for a long time but this sample sealed the deal: I am in and I want this bottle..!
Second sample is an Arran 12yo finished in Pinot Noir casks. But my palate is retired tonight after this. I will work on it tomorrow... By the way don't forget that they are hosting a unique whisky event on October 25th limited to only 250 attendees called Whisky Jewbilee 2012 for those unable to attend Whisky Fest NYC this year due to it landing on Shabbat. Too bad that I cannot be in NY on that date. I assure you that it will be an event not to miss. You can reach more info about the event at jewmalt.com.
Comments