Kilchoman Single Cask - Tequila Cask Finish
ABV: Varies (typically 52-54% cask strength) | Origin: Isle of Islay, Scotland

Kilchoman Single Cask - Tequila Cask Finish - Limited Release is an innovative and unique expression from Kilchoman, featuring a bold fusion of Islay peat and the vibrant influence of tequila casks. This limited release has been aged in traditional whisky casks before being finished in freshly emptied tequila casks, imparting bright citrus and herbal notes alongside the typical smoky, maritime character of Kilchoman. The result is a distinctive whisky that combines sweetness, spice, and a touch of tequila-inspired freshness, making it an exciting and adventurous choice for whisky lovers seeking something truly special.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Peat smoke, green apple, citrus zest, agave syrup, vanilla, subtle caramel, and a hint of tropical fruit
• Palate: Smoky peat, sweet agave, lemon peel, vanilla cream, cotton candy, gentle spice, and a chewy malt backbone
• Finish: Long and smoky with lingering citrus, earthy tequila notes, and a touch of oak dryness

Production Details

• Distillation method: Traditional copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Initial maturation in ex-bourbon barrels (American oak)
  • Finished in ex-tequila casks (typically sourced from agave spirit production)
• Special processes:
  • Heavily peated barley (around 50 PPM) smoked on-site at Kilchoman’s maltings
  • Finishing period varies (e.g., 6-13 months), depending on the single cask release
  • Bottled at cask strength, non-chill filtered, and natural color
  • Single cask releases mean each batch is unique in flavor and yield

Perfect For

• Peated whisky enthusiasts looking for an innovative twist
• Tequila lovers exploring crossover spirits
• Collectors of rare, limited-edition single cask bottlings
• Those who enjoy bold, smoky whiskies with a fruity edge
• Adventurous drinkers seeking something beyond traditional Scotch

Expert Notes

• A pioneering release following the 2019 Scotch Whisky Association rule change allowing tequila cask finishes
• Balances Kilchoman’s signature Islay peat with the subtle agave influence of tequila casks
• Showcases the distillery’s farm-to-bottle ethos, with barley grown and malted on-site
• Limited runs (e.g., 200-260 bottles per cask) make it a sought-after expression
• Reflects Kilchoman’s experimental spirit while staying true to its peaty roots

Customer Reviews

• “The tequila finish adds such a fun twist to the peat—love it!” – Jamie R. ★★★★★
• “Smoky, sweet, and unique; a standout single cask.” – Sarah M. ★★★★☆
• “Perfect for peat heads who want something different.” – Tom K. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries on Islay and the first built there in over 120 years (founded 2005)
• The tequila cask experiment began in 2020, with the first release in April 2021
• Each bottle is hand-numbered, reflecting its single cask origin
• Kilchoman grows a portion of its barley on its own farm, a rarity among Scotch distilleries
• The distillery’s name comes from a nearby church, St. Kilchoman, on Islay

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy neat to appreciate the full cask-strength intensity
• Add a few drops of water to open up the fruity and smoky layers
• Pair with smoked meats or dark chocolate with sea salt
• Try in a smoky Old Fashioned with a citrus twist
• Serve alongside sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda

Distillery

• Kilchoman Distillery, nestled on the rugged Isle of Islay, Scotland, is a family-run operation that opened in 2005 as the island’s first new distillery in over a century
• Known for its hands-on, artisanal approach, Kilchoman controls every step of production—from growing barley on its farm to malting, distilling, and bottling on-site
• The Single Cask - Tequila Cask Finish exemplifies their innovative streak, blending Islay’s traditional peated style with the exotic influence of tequila casks
• Introduced after regulatory changes in 2019, this expression highlights Kilchoman’s willingness to push boundaries while maintaining the smoky, maritime character that defines Islay whisky
• Each single cask release offers a one-of-a-kind taste of their craft, making it a treasure for whisky aficionados worldwide