Kilchoman – Collection Antipodes Fresh Bourbon Barrel 11 Year Old (70cl, 52.5%)

This is an 11-year-old peated Islay single malt from Kilchoman, part of the Collection Antipodes range. It was matured in fresh bourbon barrels and is bottled at 52.5% abv in a 70cl bottle. The nose is fresh and subtle, with cut hay, alfalfa, aniseed, a hint of bitumen and incense, then juicy pear, greengage, white currant, lily of the valley, lilac and lychee. Peat stays in the background. The palate is dense and lively, with root-like peat, malted barley, pineapple, banana and peppermint, then vanilla, chocolate, cigar smoke and jasmine. The finish is long, with lemon, pineapple and earthy notes, and ginger and gentian in the empty glass.