Kilchoman Releases Special PX Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt

For the first time, Islay’s Kilchoman distillery has released to global market a vatting of multiple Pedro Ximenez cask aged single malts … 12,000 bottles of the juice to be exact. Anthony Mills, Kilchoman founder and master distiller, said that aging their signature Islay single malts in Pedro Ximenez casks isn’t the easiest thing to do.

“That’s why we decided on a combination of full maturating and finishing, to balance the distinct PX influence with that of our spirit. I’m delighted with the result … big and bold with a delightful poise and balance of flavor,” Mills said in a prepared statement.

Having tasted numerous combinations, Mills and his team eventually settled on a vatting 33 casks, 9 only matured in Pedro Ximenez casks and 24 finished in PX casks for between 12 and 18 months.

It turns out, Mills explained, that the older casks have more layered depth of character compared to the big-hitting 2015 full maturation casks, and that combining the two produces what’s described by the brand as the “perfect balance” of maritime smoke, citrus, berries and dark, honey sweetness.

After sampling various strengths, they settled on 94.6 proof. At that proof, Mills said, the whisky had more assertiveness and allowed for the natural citrus character of the Kilchoman spirit to come through.

The Kilchoman PX Sherry Cask Matured is priced at about $104 USD. You’ll find official tasting notes below.

• Nose: prunes, sultanas and heathery peat smoke with fresh coffee, sea spray and hints of citrus.
• Palate: warming, with dark berries, caramelised brown sugar, tobacco leaf, licorice and fruit cake with mixed spices and smoldering peat smoke.
• Finish: rounded sherry notes with waves of summer berries and dried spices.