Kilchoman – Cognac Cask Matured 2023

This is an Islay single malt from Kilchoman and the distillery's first release matured entirely in ex-Cognac casks. Anthony Wills and Robin Bignal chose 32 casks for it, all from the Bossuet cooperage, and the spirit spent at least six years in them. Together the casks bring rich, herbal spice that sits alongside Kilchoman's maritime peat smoke. The nose shows pears and apples, fresh herbal fruit, honey and warm spice, with gentle, dry peat. The palate is buttery and creamy, with dry lemon, apricot, cinnamon and nutmeg over toasted wood and sweet peat smoke. The finish is deep and lingering, with dried fruit, marzipan, crystallised ginger and citrus oils.