Kilchoman 2009 Original Cask Strength

An early and critically important 5-year-old expression capturing Kilchoman’s raw, farm-driven peat smoke character at full proof.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Kilchoman, established in 2005, rapidly gained prominence as the youngest and smallest of Islay's distilleries, known for its commitment to traditional, farm-to-bottle production methods. This 2009 vintage, bottled in September 2014, represents one of the distillery’s seminal Cask Strength releases. Its importance is undeniable, as it validated Kilchoman’s ability to create a deeply complex and full-bodied single malt despite being only five years of age.

The crucial element of this release is its intentional focus on the spirit's innate character. By using a vatting of 35 exclusively ex-Bourbon barrels for maturation, the distillery provided a clean backdrop against which the aggressive, 50 ppm peated malt could be expressed. The successful launch of this 5-year-old whisky at an intense 59.2% ABV was critical to Kilchoman's survival and reputation, demonstrating that its heavily peated spirit was robust enough to deliver complexity and concentration far exceeding expectations for such a youthful age statement. This bottle remains a significant historical reference point for understanding the distillery's core spirit profile.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The technical specifications of this Kilchoman batch are highly transparent. The spirit was distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2014, achieving a verifiable age statement of 5 years.

The spirit was married from 35 ex-Bourbon barrels and bottled at the natural Cask Strength of 59.2% ABV. The bottling was limited but substantial, yielding 9,200 bottles for worldwide distribution. Market variations exist solely in volume: the 70cl format was standard for the EU and global markets, while the 75cl format targeted the US export market.

Documented variants

Verified ABVs, sizes, markets, packaging years/regions:

59.2% ABV / 70cl: Primary worldwide release format.5

59.2% ABV / 75cl: US market format, differentiated by barcode.6

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Verification focuses on confirming the precise batch information. The labelling must clearly display the Vintage (2009), Bottling Date (2014), Age (5 Year Old), and the precise ABV of 59.2%. The stated outturn of 9,200 bottles also serves as a check on batch size.

Due to the modern bottling and high alcoholic proof, bottles should exhibit excellent fill levels (Into Neck) and sound cork closures. Buyers must specifically confirm the "Original Cask Strength" designation and the 5-year age to correctly differentiate it from other Kilchoman releases.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The 2009 Original Cask Strength adheres to stringent quality and transparency standards. It is confirmed to be Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF), Natural Colour, and bottled at Cask Strength.7 This commitment ensures that the spirit's natural oils and texture are preserved, maximizing flavour delivery. The inherent peat level of 50 ppm ensures that the spirit carries the intense smoke and maritime character expected of a bold Islay malt.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The profile is powerful and oily, yet the alcohol integration is noted as surprisingly gentle despite the high proof.

Nose: Quintessentially Kilchoman, displaying distinctive farmy, earthy notes, and sweet peat. Aromatic markers include mint, eucalyptus, cold ashes, hay, and sweet malt. The nose is perceived as clear, fresh, and sweet.

Palate: Full-bodied and notably oily, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. Intense peat and smoke dominate, often accompanied by notes of tar, sweet lemon, barley sugar, and herbal edges. The alcohol presents surprisingly gently, with mid-palate notes revealing honey, vanilla, and apple fruitiness.8 The texture is often described as thick, carrying notes of pebbles and lime.

Finish: Medium-long, warm, and spicy. It leaves a lasting impression of lingering sweet peat, a grassy edge, ashes, and lime, sometimes finishing with a subtle bitterness of tannins.

With water: Many reviewers find water unnecessary, stating the whisky is best consumed neat due to its inherent smoothness. If added cautiously, water may potentially enhance the clarity of citrus and floral notes.

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Kilchoman is renowned for its transparency and commitment to crafting complex single malt from farm to bottle. Its house style is characterized by a high-intensity, youthful peat smoke profile that integrates exceptionally well with active bourbon maturation.

Sourcing

Target formats/eras: Any format (70cl/75cl) of the 2009 Vintage, 2014 Bottling.

Red flags to avoid: Misidentification with significantly lower ABV releases (e.g., 46% seasonal releases) or later Cask Strength batches.

Condition thresholds: Pristine condition of the box, label, and fill level is essential for realizing maximum value in this collector's item.

Margin/velocity expectations: The bottle offers good sales velocity and strong price retention, benefiting from its confirmed place in the distillery's history.