Delayed from its scheduled release last year, the 2021 Machir Bay Cask Strength is finally here (in 2022). This limited edition is made using the same vatting recipe as our regular Machir Bay bottling however rather than reducing the strength to 46% abv we have released a limited number of bottles at cask strength; 58.3% abv.

The higher abv allows for the quality and intensity of the Kilchoman spirit to shine.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Opens with light, fruity notes influenced by our distillation. Being cask strength allows for intense waves of fresh green apple followed by candied tropical fruits. Lasting hints of dry, earthy peat smoke become the backbone for this release.

Palate: Noticeably powerful at cask strength allowing for a concentrated palate combining citrus notes of lemon and orange peel. As the whisky opens it reveals a dominant honeycomb-sweetness that makes way for a profile driven by milk chocolate, provided by a Bourbon-rich maturation.

Finish: A slight cracked black pepper spice combined with nutmeg. The oily, rich texture of this whisky delivers an increasingly smoky influence. Overall, a unique balance of heavily peated malt, slow distillation, and oak character.

“Sweet notes of icing sugar on the nose and a touch of barbecue smoke. There’s also some smoked barley husks, vanilla essence and a few floral touches as well. You’ll find a creamy mouthfeel and sweet arrival followed by a barrage of earthy smoke on the palate, chili peppers and white pepper. It’s powerful alright. Somewhat drying, but also notes of orange and milk chocolate. A cracking whisky with a complexity on the palate that’s almost unexpected.” – Thijs Klaverstijn, Distiller (92 Points)