Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Kilchoman 13 Year Old Limited Edition

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Scotch Whisky Review: Kilchoman 13 Year Old Limited Edition

A limited-edition bottling from Islay’s west coast Kilchoman distillery, this 13 year old expression is the second oldest age statement release from the brand following 2024’s 16 Year Old.

by Mark Bostock
April 23, 2025

Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.

Tasting Notes:

About:

A limited-edition bottling from Islay’s west coast Kilchoman distillery, this 13 year old expression is the second oldest age statement release from the brand following 2024’s 16 Year Old. This Kilchoman 13 Year Old is peated to 50 PPM (Phenol Parts per Million), and has been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, octaves, and Calvados apple brandy casks. Bottled at 50% ABV.

Appearance:

Light Gold

Nose:

Lemon citrus and floral sweet vanilla open on the nose, balanced by toffee and soft pear. Bold ashy smoke is well integrated, with a maritime peat profile reminiscent of a beach bonfire.

Palate:

Fruity flavours open on the palate, lemon and lime citrus, stewed pears, and fresh slightly tart apple. Intense acrid peat smoke, which gives way to damp moss and minerality. Some sweetness develops, chocolaty hazelnut praline and brioche.

Finish:

Medium to long, malty biscuits, honey and toffee linger on the finish. Waves of citrus and orchard fruit fade in and out, balanced by smouldering bonfire peat smoke.

Comments:

A complex and well layered older Kilchoman expression, with well-integrated smoke and a distinctive fruity character.

I was keen to sample this Kilchoman 13 Year Old, as some of Kilchoman’s past small batch or limited-editions which have used Calvados cask maturation or finishing are amongst my favourite expressions from the distillery. The Calvados cask influence is evident with the crisp apple notes on the palate, but discreetly balanced by citrus notes and toffee sweetness. I really enjoyed the lingering biscuit and toffee notes on the finish, and the waves of maritime peat smoke throughout.

This older Kilchoman expression is a whisky you need to take the time to enjoy, I felt the majority of the notes and flavours more fully developed given a little time after pouring. Since 2005, Kilchoman has been producing some fantastic whisky, with many enthusiasts eagerly anticipating older expressions – I think this Kilchoman 13 Year Old shows a more refined style of smoke, and I’m keen to see more mature expressions in the future.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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