Kilchoman Comraich Batch No. 1

Cask Numbers: 146/2007, 265/2007, 419/2007

Cask type: Ex-Bourbon Barrels (146 & 265/2007), Oloroso Sherry Butt (419/2007)

Dates Filled: 13.6.2007, 29.8.2007, 4.12.2007

Date Bottled: 14.10.2017

Age: 9 yo

Strength: 55,5 % abv

Phenol level: 50 ppm

Number of bottles: 1019

Bottle volume: 0,7 l / 0,75 l / 0,02 l

Bottle code: COM 14/10/17 17/105

Distribution: only served in the Comraich Bars

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With the 1st batch of Comraich, Kilchoman presented in autumn 2017 a vatting of two 10-year-old Bourbon barrels and a 9-year-old Oloroso Sherry Hogshead.
Samples of this release were part of the Kilchoman Comraich Online Tasting on 21 October 2021 and could also be purchased temporarily at the Kilchoman Visitors Centre in late summer/autumn 2021.

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Tasting Notes:

HPN:

Nose: At first, lots of peat smoke: ashy, “bonfire on the beach”. The sherry content of about 50% is clearly noticeable – sherry notes predominate: sultanas, dark and dried fruits, furniture polish, coffee. Also herbs and pepper. Especially with water, the bourbon barrel notes are more noticeable: vanilla, honey and citrus. 87

Taste: Very dry on the tongue but sweet and fruity at the same time: dark berry fruits, cherries, sultanas. Plus lots of spice (herbs, thyme), pepper and coffee notes. 87

Finish: Medium length, dry-smoky with a very slight earthy note at the end. 86

The sherry cask included in the vatting was obviously very active, as already suggested by the colour. The sherry notes make the whisky quite drinkable, but still a bit edgy due to the distinct spice notes. I miss the bourbon barrel notes a bit here. 87 / 100 points

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Archer:

Nose: Warm and greasy peat smoke, raisins, blackberries, vanilla and honey. The nose very nicely reflects the composition of the barrel. Has quite a bit of pepper and paprika seasoning. Warm tar, seaweed. 88

Taste: Very powerful start with cold smoke, hot tin roof and pepper. Juniper berries, thyme, tarragon and some dried wild herbs. Cold espresso, dark chocolate. 87

Finish: Medium length, very dry. Well-seasoned peppers, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts. 86

Although not that young anymore, he is moving forward quite a bit. This is also a good whisky in this form, but if it were a little more cautious, it should break the 90-point mark without any problems.  87 / 100 points

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