The second official age statement release from Kilchoman is flat-out gorgeous. Anthony Wills is certainly on a roll. His aging and finishing regimen in ex-bourbon and ex-Calvados casks has produced remarkable results here. Pouring a lovely, pale gold color, the 13 Year Old is textbook Islay in the most refined fashion. The nose leads with ultra-fine smoke and cured meat in an elegant, complex dance – very pure Islay. Mint cookie, shortbread, sea spray, turmeric, yellow curry, dried chamomile, citrusy jerk chicken, and pistachio ice cream all come together in a heady, well-defined aromatic spectrum. The palate is likewise extremely refined and elegant, yet it boasts serious intensity in its mouthfeel and peat component. Flavors of concentrated apple, exotic spices, bitter citrus pith, chamomile, and salted pistachios are framed by a vibrant, exceptionally balanced mid-palate, and the long finish carries a head-spinning array faint mint, tarragon, rosemary, lemon thyme, and cool campfire ash. This is so charming, fascinating, and approachable. That is to say, the bottle will be empty before you know it.
94 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Jul 2026)
Matured in bourbon barrels, octaves, and calvados casks, this has excellent balance on the nose with pear, star fruit, heather honey, summer blooms, sand dunes, and breezy peat smoke. An opulent mouthfeel with harmonious transitions between flavors, it shows syrupy orchard fruits, brioche loaf, peppery smoke, creamy almond, vanilla sponge, dried pear, and orange peel. A mouth-coating finish brings sweet honey, woodsmoke, and banana. No water needed. (Release date: 2/25)
92 points, Jonny McCormick, Whisky Advocate (Summer 2025)
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