2022 release, 58.3% ABV, NC, UCF, 90% bourbon casks, 10% Oloroso casks, app. €70-80
Ok, after that unexpected take on Dràm Mòr’s latest releases, it’s time to get back on topic. The topic at hand: trying some available, affordable yet also somewhat ‘special’ releases from Islay distilleries, as an alternative for the less available and less affordable Feis Ile stuff that comes out every year. So I’m not actually looking to review core range releases, but focus on whiskies with a limited outturn. Bottles that will look nice in any selection, and help soften the blow on yet another Feis Ile release that almost doubles in cost overnight because they’re declared flipper fodder. Released at almost 19,000 bottles, it’s fair to say you should be able to get hold of one. At actual RRP. Imagine that…
If you remember the review that kicked off the series, I took a look at an actual Feis Ile Release from Bunnahabhain, as it seemed convenient to sort of set a benchmark for the others to be held up against.
Now, if you look up this bottle on whiskybase, you ‘ll probably notice that it says ‘2021 release’ rather than ‘2022 release’. To quote a not altogether unsuccessful Whiskytuber: ‘here’s the thing’: This bottle was actually meant to be Kilchoman’s 2021 cask strength Machir Bay Release, but, for whatever reason, the release got ‘delayed’ by a whole year (might have something to do with possible distribution issues in the aftermath of the pandemic, but that’s just my guess, really), and wasn’t therefore bottled until October of last year. It’s literally the cask strength version of the standard Machir Bay Release, as the peat level is also set at 50 ppm and the bourbon to sherry cask ratio is the same (90-10%), but instead of bringing it down to their usual 46% ABV, it goes undiluted into the bottle, at a very respectable 58.3% ABV in this case. What’s also gotten a bit of a bump up, is the price. The core range Machir Bay usually sits around €50 or there about in ly neck of the woods, whereas this puppy cost me roughly €25 more. So the question begs: is it worth forking out the extra dough?
Let’s dip in!
Nose
Vanilla sweetness mixed in with sugared popcorn, ashy and notes of iodine, a hint of sandalwood / licorice. Sweet and smoke are nicely intertwined, while there’s also a gently fruity sourness from lemons and unripe kiwis sitting against a faint farmy-umami/cheeselike sensation going on. Nothing loud, but all well integrated. If you’d told me it was 100% bourbon cask matured, I’d easily believe you.
Palate
The sweetness is still there, but not as obvious as the peat and the smoke are far more noticeable now in the shape of bonfires and pcp. Vegetal-grassy notes on an medium, slightly peppery body with a bit of viscosity. Again, there’s that umami note. Overall impression of a clearly spirit driven whisky, and it works very well.
Finish
Ashy, ashy and ashy.
Final thoughts
If I’m being very critical, I could argue that it could have benefited from a bit more cask impact, just to see what that could have brought to the table. But that’s nit-picking really, as I really enjoy this whisky. What’s interesting, is how this has evolved as I went through the bottle. It did smell and taste like the regular Machir Bay cranked up to 11 at first, but particularly when those umami and vegetal notes came through, this really evolved from there on. Is it worth the extra 20-25 tot the regular Machir Bay? I’m inclined to say yes, because it has more to offer than the regular release on steroids, but it should be around €70 rather than €80 I reckon.
So, let’s find out next week what Laphroaig has to offer, shall we? Meanwhile this puppy merits a strong 86/100
I love Kilchoman's stuff so this was an interesting review. Machair Bay at 11... that sounds like a good time. I've enjoyed Machair Bay, but I adore Loch Gorm-- one of my very favorites.