46°
Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay
American Bourbon, European Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2020
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 50 ppm
In November 2020, a rumour started circulating. Some Kilchoman could be found in French supermarkets at a very attractive price. It was this new product, this Loch Gruinart, and enthusiasts flocked to these places of mass consumption. I did the same, but the ones near home weren't so well stocked. Finally, I got the chance to taste it today, as I was given a sample. Non aged, with few details about the maturation process, this Loch Gruinart doesn't look much different from Machir Bay or Sanaig, except that it's slightly younger, apparently. Loch Gruinart is a long delta in the north of Islay, and its entrance is closer to Bunnahabhain than Kilchoman, as the delta begins between Ardnave Point and Gortantaoid Point. It seems that it is still exclusively reserved for French supermarkets, but it's been almost three years now, so you can't really call it a limited edition.
Let's Taste It :
Airy, mineral, calcareous iodine. Wet dog. animal, herbaceous peat. Buffalo grass. Some yellow fruits, plums and bananas. Earthy hints. Pebbles in the river. The peat becomes more balanced, revealing creamy vanilla. Really light on the palate, a bit lemony, some spices, cumin and pepper, rocky undertones. Quite long and very effective finish, sandy, the peat comes through, whiffs of iodine, cola, very slight bitterness. Mint and coconut ice cream with chocolate chips.
In Short,
Indeed, it's quite young, and that's its main flaw, as it's very light on the palate. On the other hand, the nose and finish are quite good, and for that I find it slightly superior to Machir Bay. I'm not really sure that I'll ever buy one, but perhaps I will on occasion.
Score : 85
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Senza Benza - The Lady from the Shop
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