Kilchoman 2012 Sherry Hogshead Single Cask #553

A cask-strength, eight-year-old Islay malt demonstrating the powerful synergy between young Kilchoman peat smoke and active sherry maturation.

At-a-Glance

Cask #553, distilled in 2012, belongs to an early and highly sought-after tranche of their single cask programme. The primary driver of scarcity for this bottling is the exceptionally low outturn of just 245 bottles. This ultra-limited volume ensures extremely high collector competition and rapid appreciation in the secondary market. The rapid ascent of this bottling’s value, despite the relatively short eight-year age statement, proves that for modern collectible distilleries such as Kilchoman, the combination of scarcity and a specific, powerful flavour profile (in this case, Sherry and Peat synergy) can supersede the traditional market metric of age. This performance confirms Kilchoman’s status as a contemporary investment-grade whisky.

Historical Context

Kilchoman distillery is widely noted within the industry for its rapid maturity curve, consistently producing intensely flavoured, high-peat whiskies despite utilizing comparatively short age statements. Cask #553, distilled in 2012, belongs to an early and highly sought-after tranche of their single cask programme.

The primary driver of scarcity for this bottling is the exceptionally low outturn of just 245 bottles. This ultra-limited volume ensures extremely high collector competition and rapid appreciation in the secondary market. The rapid ascent of this bottling’s value, despite the relatively short eight-year age statement, proves that for modern collectible distilleries such as Kilchoman, the combination of scarcity and a specific, powerful flavour profile (in this case, Sherry and Peat synergy) can supersede the traditional market metric of age. This performance confirms Kilchoman’s status as a contemporary investment-grade whisky.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The maturation specifics are highly defined: the spirit was matured entirely in Sherry Hogshead Cask #553. The Hogshead specifies a smaller cask size than a butt, which facilitates quicker flavour integration between the spirit and the wood over the eight-year period. The fixed count of 245 bottles dictates the core liquidity structure of the offering. The significant price performance of the bottling demonstrates a substantial scarcity premium multiplier, where the extremely low volume is valued far beyond the linear cost of production.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Authentication hinges on verifying three critical, fixed technical markers. The specific Cask Number (#553) and the original outturn (245 bottles) must be clearly verifiable on the label. The 58.7% ABV is also a fixed verification point. As a relatively recent 2020 bottling, the only acceptable standard for physical condition is pristine, with zero tolerance for cosmetic faults, and a required full neck fill with flawless capsule or wax seal integrity. The 8 Year Old age statement is strictly defined by regulation, and the Single Cask designation guarantees liquid provenance exclusively from Cask #553.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

This malt delivers a profile marked by intense synergy. The nose offers an initial burst of maritime saltiness and smoke, which is rapidly followed by rich dark fruits, such as raisins and cherry, complemented by baking spices like cinnamon.

On the palate, the whisky is full-bodied and viscous, primarily due to the 58.7% ABV. It delivers massive peat smoke and sea spray, which is expertly balanced by the profound dark fruit sweetness imparted by the Sherry Hogshead.¹ Mid-palate, notes of cocoa powder and earthy tones emerge. The finish is extremely long, dominated by a lingering balance of sweet smoke and spice. The successful integration of strong sherry influence (dark fruits, cinnamon) with heavy peat in only eight years strongly suggests the use of a highly active, likely first-fill or high-quality European oak sherry cask. This high level of cask quality is the foundational factor that justifies the significant leap from the Original RRP to the high secondary market prices.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

The Original RRP (GBP) for the Kilchoman 2012 Sherry Hogshead Single Cask #553 was £99.95 upon release. It is currently Not available at retail and is sourced exclusively through the secondary market. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer) typically fetches between £170 and £220. Pricing stratification exhibits low volatility due to the highly constrained supply. The documented auction prices reflect immediate, intense, and sustained collector demand. Liquidity and velocity for this product are very high. Sourcing transactions must always prioritize verification of the Cask Number and the physical condition of the bottle.

Price Snapshot

Distillery/Bottler Snapshot

Kilchoman is highly respected internationally for its artisanal, farm-to-bottle approach and high-quality spirit.² Its single cask programme is recognized as the central mechanism for its secondary market success, reliably commanding immediate premiums due to both flavour intensity and product scarcity.

Sourcing

The sourcing protocol must strictly target Cask #553 only. Red flags include any deviation from the 58.7% ABV or the Sherry Hogshead cask type, or a failure to display the single cask number. Condition thresholds require zero tolerance for cosmetic faults or ullage; neck fill is mandatory. This product offers excellent margin potential and demonstrates the highest velocity among the four bottlings analysed.