Kilchoman 100% Islay – 10th Edition

Cask type: Bourbon Barrels, Oloroso Sherry Butts

Vintage: 2008, 2010, 2011

Bottled: 08 & 09/2020

Age: 9 yo

Strength: 50,0 % abv

Phenol level: approx. 20 ppm

Number of bottles: 12.400

Bottle volume: 0,7 l / 0,75 l

Bottle code:
100 28.08.20 20/101

Distribution: worldwide

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The 10th edition of the 100% Islay range was released for the first time on September 16th in the distillery’s online shop. It is a vatting of 39 ex-Bourbon Barrels and two Oloroso Sherry Butts, which matured for over 9 years in Kilchoman warehouses. This is whisky distilled from barley malt of the Optic and Publican varieties harvested at Rockside Farm in 2007, 2009 and 2010. As usual with the 100% Islay range, the alcohol content is 50.0% abv. 12.400 bottles were released.

For the 2nd time in the history of the 100% Islay series, the 10th edition is not a pure bourbon barrel maturation, but sherry casks were used as in 2018. In contrast to the sherry portion of about 40% of the 2018 edition, which is known to have caused some controversy among Kilchoman fans, this year’s portion is a good 10%. It is certainly no coincidence that this is the sherry cask proportion that Anthony Wills has repeatedly described in the past as ideal for Kilchoman whiskies.

“The Optic and Publican varieties used for the 10^th Edition, paired with a light peat smoking, long fermentation and high spirit cut creates a bright, floral nose of citrus sweetness that gives way to prunes, cinnamon and cooked apples & pears on the palate. The finish brings waves of mildly spiced peat smoke, lasting sweetness and rich sherry notes” Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & MD