Kilchoman – Cognac Matured 2026 (50%)

This is an Islay single malt from Kilchoman, matured fully in French oak Cognac casks. It was distilled in 2019 and bottled in 2026 at 50%. The vatting draws on 33 first fill barriques. The distillery team checked the Cognac casks throughout, so that the wood would not overpower the whisky and the Islay smoke stays in the picture alongside the fruit from the Cognac. The official notes describe a nose of ripe pears and apples with peat smoke, honey, toasted nuts and baking spices. The palate is buttery, with baked fruit, honeycomb and salty sweetness, and the finish is drying and smoky with lasting sweetness and mellow fruit.