Kilchoman – Sauternes Cask Matured 2024 (70cl, 50%)

The 2024 edition of Kilchoman's Islay single malt, matured entirely in ex-Sauternes barriques rather than given a short finish. Founder Anthony Wills chose whiskies from two distilling years, the youngest from 2018. The casks are 22% fresh and 78% previously used for whisky maturation, most of them having held the 2018 Sauternes finish edition. It is bottled at 50% in a 70cl bottle, without colouring or chill-filtration. The nose is creamy and buttery with ripe fruit, a light salty sea breeze and subtle peat. On the palate butterscotch and floral notes meet tropical and candied fruit, with the peat smoke woven in. The finish stays sweet, with clear smoke as a counterpoint and a rich texture.