Kilchoman Cognac Cask Matured 2023 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

A special release from Kilchoman, the Cognac Cask Matured is a vatting of 32 Cognac casks sourced from Tonellerie Bossuet (France). This Kilchoman 2023 Limited Edition has been matured in Cognac casks for a minimum of six years.

Besides Glenmorangie and a handful of others, very few Scottish distillers have flaunted with Cognac casks. This example is all the more daring given it isn't a finish, instead, it's entirely matured in 300 litre casks from Tonnellerie Bossuet. Filled with 50ppm heavily-peated new-make, the liquid was aged for a minimum of six years allowing the distillery's fruit-driven, citrusy style to balance with the brandy oak.

It is difficult to imagine Kilchoman's assertive peat being tamed by any wood or secondary maturation, but that's just what this fusion seems to have achieved - as though the Cognac softens and fuzzes all the sharper maritime edges; instead there's a pleasing fruitiness and more of a smoked meat / lavender honey edge, finished by a sprinkling of white pepper. Peaty, yes, but possibly one of the least peaty distillery expressions for some time while remaining true to Kilchoman's hugely flavoursome standards.

ABV 50%