Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky Debuts

Islay’s Kilchoman distillery, despite its young age compared alongside the other whisky makers on Scotland’s most famous Scotch isle, has made something of a name for itself. This is particularly true in regards to their practice of limited edition expressions which have had full maturation in ex-wine casks. The latest example of this is the new Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured Single Malt whisky.

The Sauternes Cask Matured Single Malt whisky, according to the farm distillery, was matured for just over five years in ex-Sauternes casks from Chateau d’Yquem, Bordeaux, France. It follows upon the heels of the Port and Madeira cask matured expressions in recent years, and continues to showcase Kilchoman’s practice of bringing whisky to full term in specialized casks versus the more common trend of finishing a spirit for a shorter period of time in one of these barrel styles.

“Although only making up a small part of our range, full term wine cask maturation in Port, Madeira and now Sauternes has produced fantastic results,” said Anthony Wills, Kilchoman founder in a prepared statement. “The combination of peat smoke, fragrant Kilchoman spirit and full maturation in fresh Sauternes casks makes for a truly unique single malt.”

“Having spent its full maturation period in fresh Sauternes casks,” added Robin Bignall, Kilchoman Production Manager, “the whisky has inevitably taken on the textured white age influence associated with Sauternes casks however it remains balanced with an intriguing mix of maritime peat smoke, sweetness and citrus vibrancy.”

The Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Matured Single Malt, limited to 6,000 bottles worldwide and bottled at 50% ABV, is already out to market in select countries and should see wider distribution by October.