Kilchoman Machir Bay - b. 2013 - 700ml

Kilchoman Machir Bay (46% ABV) est l’expression phare de Kilchoman Distillery, l’unique distillerie fermière indépendante d’Islay. Nommé après la belle plage sableuse balayée par le vent qui se trouve juste au bout de la route de la distillerie, ce single malt s’est imposé comme un dram incontournable d’Islay. Il équilibre magnifiquement le traditionnel et lourd fumet maritime de tourbe de l’île avec un caractère lumineux, fruité et accessible.

Cask Composition & Technical Specifications
• The Cask Blueprint: The definitive vatting recipe is a highly curated blend of 90% first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels and 10% Oloroso Sherry butts. The bourbon casks drive the clean vanilla and citrus profile, while the sherry wood adds an elegant touch of dried fruit complexity and color.
• Peat Profile: The barley is heavily peated to a robust 50 ppm (parts per million), injecting a serious, punchy smoke level comparable to Islay legends like Ardbeg and Laphroaig.
• Purity: True to Kilchoman's farm-to-bottle standards, it is bottled at 46% ABV, featuring its natural pale straw color and completely bypassing chill-filtration to keep the natural, oily mouthfeel intact.

Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes
Unlike the heavy, medicinal iodine notes found in some south-coast Islay whiskies, Machir Bay leans into clean, crisp, ashy smoke and vibrant farm-style fruitness.
• Nose (Aroma): Bold and immediate ashy peat smoke and soft maritime sea spray. This heavy smoke is gracefully balanced by sweet lemon zest, vanilla fudge, honeyed malt biscuits, and a delicate touch of green apple.
• Palate (Taste): Rich, clean, and oily. Initial bursts of sweet butterscotch, vanilla cream, and juicy tropical fruits (peaches and pears) coat the mouth. This sweetness is cut through by sharp candied citrus, cracked black pepper, and waves of warming campfire smoke.
• Finish: Long, warming, and enduringly sweet. The finish fades out on a dry note of charred oak, salted licorice, and lingering maritime peat smoke.