Kilchoman Machir Bay
46% ABV
$55 – $63
Website
What the Distillery Says
Machir Bay, our signature peated single malt, is a vatting of Kilchoman matured in both bourbon and sherry casks. Named after Islay’s most spectacular beach, the high proportion of bourbon barrels create a distinct balance of classic Islay character and fresh floral complexity. It has a vatting of approximately 90% bourbon barrels and 10% oloroso sherry casks.
CASK TYPE: BOURBON & SHERRY
PEAT LEVEL: 50 PARTS PER MILLION
NOSE: Lemon zest, vanilla and distinct coastal influence give way to floral intensity, juicy peaches, pears, and wafts of rich spices
PALATE: Bursts of tropical fruit and dried sultanas, warming smoke and waves of honey, malt, butterscotch and rich sweetness
FINISH: Sherry-soaked fruit, cracked black pepper and sea salt. Long-lasting with layers of citrus sweetness and maritime peat smoke
What Gary Says
Nose: Peat with some citrus fruit, cantaloupe, lemon peel, cut grass, green wood, earthy with some smoke and a hint of sea air.
Palate: Starts sweet, berries in vanilla cream, honey, peat rolls in and sharpens with some pepper spice.
Finish: Moderate in length with gentle spice and peat.
Comments: In terms of color, this is a very light dram. A bit better balanced than the Sauternes cask finish – a bit less intense with the peat and not quite as sharp. More fruit notes, and a bit less of the sea air.