I have and like this one too a lot. I also like the style of the videos, its not a musicvideo with constant camera angle changes, its not a comedy show, its not too dry and professional laboratory style, its just calm and interesting video to watch while sipping the same whisky.
Sorry to hear that. If it helps I think it's 'just' a stronger version of the same flavours you get in the 46% version. Which is both a consolation and a reason to buy it when you do get the chance 😉
@WhiskyLock I'm late to the show here but I wanted to say that I just missed out on the supposedly great 2nd edition of the Bunna 12 CS, so I bought the 3rd. I agree, that one comes across surprisingly hot to me. It's good, but don't think it's worth the $100 price tag. I'll stick with the standard 12 from now on. I hate falling for the hype. Too bad I missed your take on it before I bought it.
Another thorough, honest, well-articulated review that's tempting me to consider purchasing this product--if I can find it. I've had only one Kilchoman--it was Sanaig--and definitely enjoyed it, although I prefer the heftier Uigeadail or, currently, the stunning Kilkerran HP Batch 6. I've always been on the fence about buying Machir Bay, especially when my go-to Port Charlotte 10 is staring at me, beckoning... or even the Ledaig 10, but that one's price tag has gone into a full-blown bad-comedy act where I am--I first bought it for about $58US a couple years back; one place is now asking $70 while my usual whisky house is asking $78--seriously?! However, I am tempted to shell out even more for the Ardnamurchan CS ($89-$95) because I'm looking for something a bit different to add to my experience. At least I now know that if I want to try to Machir Bay, then the CS is the way to go...IF it's available. Many thanks for the review!
Thanks Andy. While I don't dislike Sanaig it is probably my least favourite Kilchoman. It's good but IMHO a bit 'middle of the road'. I do prefer the (mostly) bourbon maturation of Machir Bay. I think it lets both the peat and the malt shine through more. Sounds like someone is getting a bit gougy with the prices where you are. Not surprised with the recent popularity for Ledaig and Ardnamurchan. I can still get Ledaig 10 for just under £40 and Ardnamurchan CS for about £65. I actually have a bottle of the Ardnamurchan CS but I haven't cracked it yet. Looking forward to it!
Love the comment on the cork. A good cork is really important for a whisky. A bad cheap cork will ruin the whisky inside easily. The worst cork I experienced was from Bruichladdich. I have one bottle of Bruichladdich and one bottle of Port Charlotte 10 having sticky corks that have ruined the liquid. They unfortunately went to the sink. Another Bruichladdich bottle has a broken cork and it is not particular old either.
Yes very important. Especially for anything that stands a chance of being kept and saved. I've had a couple of dodgy Bruichladdich corks but none have failed yet. I've had a couple of Talisker corks snap off 😬 and more recently a bottle of Springbank 12CS that's failed (leaks). At that price and prestige you'd think they'd get it right...
Happy New Year, Shane! I hope I didn't butcher the spelling of your name :) Most welcome review of somewhat overlooked distillery and expression. I love Kilchoman! Have a bottle of the 2020 release of Machir Bay Cask Strength waiting its turn to be tasted. My current open bottle of Kilchoman is Loch Gorm, 2020 release, which I thoroughly enjoy. In fact it is my favorite whisky I have tasted in 2022. Bit steeply priced in Bulgaria, but it is my guilty pleasure :) The only thing Kilchoman need to do in order to get themselves in the top three Islay distilleries - in my book at least - is putting age statements on their core range expressions. Loch Gorm is virtually age stated. I have no doubt that Machir Bay and Sanaig with 10 or even 8 on the labels would be up there with Ardbeg Ten and Port Charlotte 10. As for other CS Islay malts, neither Bunnahabhain 12 CS nor Laphroaig 10 CS are available in Bulgaria. I even spoke to the importer of Distell and he told me that the chances of Bunna 12 CS 2022 to be imported were zero. Talking of value, last time I saw Machir Bay CS here it was priced slightly under 50 euros. Not even a contest considering the prices of Bunnahabhain 12 CS and Laphroaig 10 CS. Cheers!
Perfect spelling 🙂 you'd be amazed how many people get it wrong in weird and wonderful ways 😉 50 euros for this is a steal. And agreed that Kilchoman are very underrated. I'm not sure why. No good reason really! I expect the reason why Machir Bay doesn't have an age statement is because over the years its gradually got older and older. And I think you can tell that from buying it year after year. I think putting at 8yr age statement on it and keeping it youngish and punchy would be a good idea! Perhaps they will soon.
Absolutely. It's all subjective opinion as you say. I just watching your review of the regular Machir Bay and (I think it was you) that mentioned 'Wet Sand' as a nosing note. I really liked that one and know exactly what you mean. Great note. Cheers Gav 🥃
Great review! I love the Machir Bay cask strength. To be honest I've not had anything bad from Kilchoman and their 100% Islay releases are just phenomenal! Cheers!
Thanks my friend. Agreed that I've never had a bad Kilchoman. They're a shining example to all of Islay. I feel like I need to get another bottle of the 100% Islay soon. It's not as easy to get as it used to be but who can argue with whisky that's made entirely on site from barley to bottling? Fantastic!
@@WhiskyLockWell, your comment is a year old, but you should love the current 13th release of the 100% Islay - it’s completely matured in Bourbon cask, the style of Kilchoman you’re preferring. It’s a fantastic Islay Malt and the delicate house style of Kilchoman is really able to shine, let alone “from Barley to Bottle”. Personally, I liked the 12th release of the 100% Islay a wee bit more, I think the few Sherry casks in the vatting helped to round it up perfectly. But you seem to favour the more “puristic” style, so you will love the new release. Then again, you might have already reviewed it .. 😅
Great review, Whisky Lock! I had a bottle of the previous release (came onto the German market as late as November 2021, but was bottled in October 2020 at 58.6%) with sheep wearing red and white Christmas caps on the front label. Same ratio of ex-bourbon to ex-sherry casks as the "newer" release you've reviewed here. And yes, I think it's characteristic of Kilchoman spirit that it naturally gravitates to an ex-bourbon cask maturation. I paid €55 for my bottle at the time, and that was definitely a reasonable price - for a beefed up Machir Bay. Can't complain. Many thanks for going into detail with your tasting notes - you brought out some sides of Kilchoman I hadn't appreciated before. I wonder where Kilchoman will now source their malt with Port Ellen Maltings now supplying only the Diageo distilleries. No doubt they've made other arrangements. Perhaps they'll do as Bruichladdich has long done and secure a deal with Bairds of Inverness. Who knows? Cheers.
Thanks Russell. I didn't try that 2020 release. I think I had too many other things going on at the time 🙂 but I imagine it was fantastic too. I do have a very old Cask Strength Kilchoman unopened on my shelf. I believe it's a 5yo in a green box. I shall have to dust that off at some point for a comparison. Very worrying about the Port Ellen malt. And not at all surprising that Diageo have let a bunch of people down! And it's not just Islay distilleries that were using Port Ellen either. I wonder if Ardbeg will still get their share? I believe Diageo have a minority share in LVMH so they may be made an exception 😉 Hopefully this will encourage increased production and diversifying of suppliers in future to make sure this doesn't happen again. One temporary solution for Kilchoman would be to switch to whatever other supply they can find and lat down some unpeated casks. They have made unpeated whisky before and it was very good. Might be a better option than trying to use peated malt with a different flavour of peat. Fingers crossed for the future!
Got a bottle of this to open so I’m looking forward to it even more now. I enjoy their whisky in general with my favourite to date being the Loch Gorm bottles. 😊
I've been a huge fan of Kilchoman ever since I first tried their whisky at the distillery. Kilchoman was last on our list of Islay distillery tours and none of us expected much because they were so new but I think it was everyone's favourite 🙂
@@WhiskyLock hard to say what my favourite Islay distillery is .. been to all of them so many times , sometimes who you get and which tour or tasting you do makes a difference . It would take a very long conversation over several drams to make a decision 😂 Enjoyed your review . . And it sounds like I’ll enjoy the whisky when I open it 😊 🥃
My local just got these in and they’re $89 USD before tax. Laphroaig 10 year CS is $109 before tax so I’m done with that brand. The regular Machir Bay is $55 USD so the Machir 2021 CS is a bit more. I’m hoping to get the same tasting notes when I get it.
Agreed. Machir Bay is my favourite core range Kilchoman and one of my favourite ever Islays. The Cask Strength version ticks all the same boxes but even better. I hope they do another batch soon!
I love your reviews!! Your delivery and details are excellent. I do have a question, how does this release compare to the previous 2020 release of Machir Bay Cask Strength? I certainly hope you have the opportunity to compare and give me a bit of insight into the 2 of them as I have the 2020, which I absolutely love, and hope to find the 2021….Do answer if you can..
Thank you very much Cecil! Sadly I didn't manage to get hold of the 2020 release but as the 2021 release is very close to the standard Machir Bay but stronger and more flavourful I can only imagine them both being superb. Cheers 🥃
@@WhiskyLock thank you so much for answering. I was able to locate the 2020 out of Italy and I have 3 bottles unopened and since I commented on your video I have ordered the 2021 so I will have them both. It's one of my very favorite scotches! It's just loved and rare but so worth it when you find it. Thanks for your excellent review that says it so much better than I as to why I love it. Stay honest to yourself. I've already called for a boycott of Lagavulin 16yr until Diagio decides to give it a proper "Craft" presentation. Yes, I like your style.
Happy new year, Shane, and nice choice to open 2023. Kilchoman (my oswa write-in vote for distillery of the year) can perhaps do no wrong. Every release is worth trying, some are at least interesting, and some are truly sublime. The ‘21 CS Machir bay hasn’t made its way to me yet, but I remember the ‘19 release I got from the Wills family during their US “meet the peat” tour. And, I just opened my bottle of the 2021 Loch Gorm on Christmas. Needless to say, I’m a fan. Whiskytube doesn’t seem to give them their fair due, in my opinion, so thanks for giving them some love.
Loch Gorm is a perfect choice for a Christmas dram 👌 I had an Edradour Caledonia on the day. Unpeated but similar Christmas vibes. Agreed thar Kilchoman are a strong candidate for distillery of the year and that they deserve more praise than they get. Odd that they're not hyped up to Springbank levels... although I'm glad in a way 😉
Hey, just found and acquired a bottle of the ‘21 cask strength! Finally! (Though availability is a bit delayed here in the States). Excited to finally try it.
I’m a big fan of Kilchoman probably my favorite Islay distillery. I have not had Machir Bay CS though, it always seems to be hard to get around here. Can always get many of their other expressions even some small batch releases but not Machir Bay CS. Keep up the great reviews. Slainte!
I've been sitting on the fence with this. It caught my eye straight away but I rather suspect I thought it would be just as you described. I recently got the Bunnahabhain 12 CS 2022 and have done some side by side comparisons with the regular 12 and whilst the latest 12 CS is excellent it tastes rather like the regular 12 with 10% more abv. I really like it but it's twice the price. The Machir Bay CS is not twice the price and sounds like it's worth a punt and I've always wanted to try that expression at a higher abv.
That is the problem. For these cask strength versions to be worth a try there either needs to be something wrong with the standard expression or the CS needs to be only slightly more expensive and good enough to warrant high strength. I think this one ticks that second box.
@@WhiskyLock Yeah, I'm convinced it's worth a punt and I've got one on the way. I do like Kilchoman's peat which has its own profile (every Islay distillery does).
@@welshtoro3256 absolutely. Islay wouldn't be anywhere near as magical if they all had the same peat. And honestly I think Kilchoman might be my favourite. Let me know how you think the CS compares to the standard Machir.
Sounds great, I'm glad you're enjoying your Kilchoman too. Yes, I've heard a few people say that the 2022 Bunna CS is better and more like the standard 12 but turned up. Sounds a lot like what I (and some others) were hoping for out of the 2021. Intriguing!
When Kilchoman first started releasing their young whiskies at 3-4 years old they were the talk of many whisky fans. But now their whisky is more mature (and I assume better) it seems as though the distillery has almost been forgotten, which is doubly strange considering it's on Islay. Maybe it's just me, but I hardly hear Kilchoman mentioned at all these days.
Yes that's how it seems to me too. I think a lot of the early hype was partly due to them being the only new distillery on Islay in 124 years. There was also a lot of nay saying back then which is something people forget. People doubting that it'd be any good or that they wouldn't last very long. Their whisky is definitely more mature now and while I do miss the old days of 4-5yo peat bombs, even I will admit that what they're making is better now. I think the only reason we don't hear much about them now is that the novelty of a new Islay distillery has worn off and they don't waste money on marketing like many other Islay distilleries. Still a great distillery though. One of my favourites.
How do I manage my wiskey collection, deciding wich bottles to finish, wich to keep and wich to reorder? I have to many half full bottles. Great wiskey and video
Thanks Vince. I think we've all been in that situation. I eventually decided to limit the number of bottles I have open at one time to control the craziness but that's just meant that I now have a lot of unopened bottles which is only slightly better! In 2023 I'm going to make a conscious effort to taste and review rather than buying to try and reduce my collection to a sensible level. That's the plan anyway!
I feel like a made a mistake with Wolfburn. The Langskip was not inexpensive but oh so young. The Aurora I bought was $35. Practically free so it's tough to compare. I did pay even more for the age stated Bunnahabhain 12 but my little Santa hat Machir bay was only $10 more than the 46%. Highland Park is my line in the sand. As an NAS I am not going there. I did Tomatin, Glengoyne as NAS but they were well priced. There is value in maturation and I'm trying not to fall into that trap of great value in cask strength versions when the risk of youthfulness is to great. That being said, the worst value bottle I have is a 9year old bourbon cask from Kilchoman. WOW!!! Loch Gorm is overpriced also, but the sherry is slowly opening up to where I can appreciate some of the higher cost.
That's a shame. I'm still enjoying my Wolfburn Northlands which was a fair price although only 46% As much as I like HP Cask Strength it is definitely young. Significantly younger and hotter than this CS Machir Bay. Enjoyable but it is fierce and probably best used to bump up the ABV of weaker Highland Parks... Agreed that Loch Gorm is pretty expensive now. I'm sure it didn't used to cost that much last time I bought a full bottle. Very good challenging sherry with well integrated peat though.
@@WhiskyLock Langskip has that certain something and that special character of "potential" it's like you know it's going to be good... eventually. I have to ask about Ardnamurchin. People are loving the CS. I'm just not sure it's worth the same $90 as that Langskip.
@@lightplays2181 Yeah availability isn't as good here as it used to be either. When I started buying Kilchoman years ago you could go online at any time and buy a Loch Gorm or 100% Islay whenever you want. Sometimes you could choose this year's release or last year's! Not like that anymore.
I’m s huge fan of Kilchoman and for the life of me cannot understand why there isn’t alot more love and attention from integrity crowd - mayb bec of lack of age statements or that there’s simply too many releases, like the old shotgun approach of Bruichladdich it can be overwhelming? Always found Machir Bay abit too meh and sweet compared to all the other offerings but “CS” expressions always piques my interest. There’s a UK exclusive Sauternes casking that is very subtle and unusual as it’s not as heavily peated nor as sweet so everything is dialed down abit more but not at all in a dull way so I think ur palate wld really appreciate delving more deeply as a result.
The lack of age statements probably puts some off. But once you taste what they can do with young spirit all that quickly goes out the window 😉 Probably a bit of the Bruichladdich shotgun effect too. Everyone used to always be on Bruichladdichs case over that. I guess it is nice to have a core range that is repeatable and available. I have tried Kilchoman Sauternes before but can't remember what the verdict was without looking at my notes. I do like Sauternes more often that not though and I've never had a 'bad' Kilchoman 👍
@@WhiskyLock Seems particularly odd given how much they rave about Ardnamurchan (for very good reason!) and Kilchoman is as successful with producing wonderfully flavorful, and perhaps even more flexible and complex, distillate for being so young, so I keep wondering if there's smthg else at play to explain the roaring silence by comparison. Maybe it's the novelty of newness or the fact that Ardna fits so neatly into the desired narrative / evangelical mission? I've gathered a number of bottles I'm eager to open, especially the Islay 100% & Loch Gorm 2021 (hope it's not too sherry sweet!).
Interesting thoughts. As a limited budget person I am also very satisfied with the standard release of this one. Thank you for your video.
They're both great value and great whisky. No wrong choice to be made really. Thanks for watching 🥃
I have and like this one too a lot. I also like the style of the videos, its not a musicvideo with constant camera angle changes, its not a comedy show, its not too dry and professional laboratory style, its just calm and interesting video to watch while sipping the same whisky.
Thank you very much Kristoff 🥃
I’ve been looking for this for 3 years to no avail.
Sorry to hear that. If it helps I think it's 'just' a stronger version of the same flavours you get in the 46% version. Which is both a consolation and a reason to buy it when you do get the chance 😉
This is not available where I live 🤔 would love to try it
I feel your pain. I've finished my bottle and really wish I'd bought two. HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who likes Kilchoman if you see it!
Great review, and spot on with your cask strength analysis of the competition.
Cheers!
@WhiskyLock I'm late to the show here but I wanted to say that I just missed out on the supposedly great 2nd edition of the Bunna 12 CS, so I bought the 3rd. I agree, that one comes across surprisingly hot to me. It's good, but don't think it's worth the $100 price tag. I'll stick with the standard 12 from now on. I hate falling for the hype. Too bad I missed your take on it before I bought it.
Another thorough, honest, well-articulated review that's tempting me to consider purchasing this product--if I can find it. I've had only one Kilchoman--it was Sanaig--and definitely enjoyed it, although I prefer the heftier Uigeadail or, currently, the stunning Kilkerran HP Batch 6.
I've always been on the fence about buying Machir Bay, especially when my go-to Port Charlotte 10 is staring at me, beckoning... or even the Ledaig 10, but that one's price tag has gone into a full-blown bad-comedy act where I am--I first bought it for about $58US a couple years back; one place is now asking $70 while my usual whisky house is asking $78--seriously?! However, I am tempted to shell out even more for the Ardnamurchan CS ($89-$95) because I'm looking for something a bit different to add to my experience.
At least I now know that if I want to try to Machir Bay, then the CS is the way to go...IF it's available. Many thanks for the review!
Thanks Andy. While I don't dislike Sanaig it is probably my least favourite Kilchoman. It's good but IMHO a bit 'middle of the road'. I do prefer the (mostly) bourbon maturation of Machir Bay. I think it lets both the peat and the malt shine through more.
Sounds like someone is getting a bit gougy with the prices where you are. Not surprised with the recent popularity for Ledaig and Ardnamurchan. I can still get Ledaig 10 for just under £40 and Ardnamurchan CS for about £65. I actually have a bottle of the Ardnamurchan CS but I haven't cracked it yet. Looking forward to it!
Love the comment on the cork. A good cork is really important for a whisky. A bad cheap cork will ruin the whisky inside easily. The worst cork I experienced was from Bruichladdich. I have one bottle of Bruichladdich and one bottle of Port Charlotte 10 having sticky corks that have ruined the liquid. They unfortunately went to the sink. Another Bruichladdich bottle has a broken cork and it is not particular old either.
Yes very important. Especially for anything that stands a chance of being kept and saved. I've had a couple of dodgy Bruichladdich corks but none have failed yet. I've had a couple of Talisker corks snap off 😬 and more recently a bottle of Springbank 12CS that's failed (leaks). At that price and prestige you'd think they'd get it right...
Happy New Year, Shane! I hope I didn't butcher the spelling of your name :)
Most welcome review of somewhat overlooked distillery and expression. I love Kilchoman! Have a bottle of the 2020 release of Machir Bay Cask Strength waiting its turn to be tasted. My current open bottle of Kilchoman is Loch Gorm, 2020 release, which I thoroughly enjoy. In fact it is my favorite whisky I have tasted in 2022. Bit steeply priced in Bulgaria, but it is my guilty pleasure :) The only thing Kilchoman need to do in order to get themselves in the top three Islay distilleries - in my book at least - is putting age statements on their core range expressions. Loch Gorm is virtually age stated. I have no doubt that Machir Bay and Sanaig with 10 or even 8 on the labels would be up there with Ardbeg Ten and Port Charlotte 10.
As for other CS Islay malts, neither Bunnahabhain 12 CS nor Laphroaig 10 CS are available in Bulgaria. I even spoke to the importer of Distell and he told me that the chances of Bunna 12 CS 2022 to be imported were zero.
Talking of value, last time I saw Machir Bay CS here it was priced slightly under 50 euros. Not even a contest considering the prices of Bunnahabhain 12 CS and Laphroaig 10 CS.
Cheers!
Perfect spelling 🙂 you'd be amazed how many people get it wrong in weird and wonderful ways 😉
50 euros for this is a steal. And agreed that Kilchoman are very underrated. I'm not sure why. No good reason really!
I expect the reason why Machir Bay doesn't have an age statement is because over the years its gradually got older and older. And I think you can tell that from buying it year after year. I think putting at 8yr age statement on it and keeping it youngish and punchy would be a good idea! Perhaps they will soon.
And Happy New Year! 🥃
It is all about opinions we all have different pallets When we review a whisky we are honest Keep up the good work
Absolutely. It's all subjective opinion as you say.
I just watching your review of the regular Machir Bay and (I think it was you) that mentioned 'Wet Sand' as a nosing note. I really liked that one and know exactly what you mean. Great note.
Cheers Gav 🥃
Great review! I love the Machir Bay cask strength. To be honest I've not had anything bad from Kilchoman and their 100% Islay releases are just phenomenal! Cheers!
Thanks my friend. Agreed that I've never had a bad Kilchoman. They're a shining example to all of Islay. I feel like I need to get another bottle of the 100% Islay soon. It's not as easy to get as it used to be but who can argue with whisky that's made entirely on site from barley to bottling? Fantastic!
@@WhiskyLockWell, your comment is a year old, but you should love the current 13th release of the 100% Islay - it’s completely matured in Bourbon cask, the style of Kilchoman you’re preferring.
It’s a fantastic Islay Malt and the delicate house style of Kilchoman is really able to shine, let alone “from Barley to Bottle”.
Personally, I liked the 12th release of the 100% Islay a wee bit more, I think the few Sherry casks in the vatting helped to round it up perfectly. But you seem to favour the more “puristic” style, so you will love the new release.
Then again, you might have already reviewed it .. 😅
@@justinafuchs2619 I'm actually drinking a dram of the 13th Release right now 😉 very classy stuff. Not reviewed yet but very soon 😌 Cheers 🥃
Great review, Whisky Lock! I had a bottle of the previous release (came onto the German market as late as November 2021, but was bottled in October 2020 at 58.6%) with sheep wearing red and white Christmas caps on the front label. Same ratio of ex-bourbon to ex-sherry casks as the "newer" release you've reviewed here. And yes, I think it's characteristic of Kilchoman spirit that it naturally gravitates to an ex-bourbon cask maturation. I paid €55 for my bottle at the time, and that was definitely a reasonable price - for a beefed up Machir Bay. Can't complain. Many thanks for going into detail with your tasting notes - you brought out some sides of Kilchoman I hadn't appreciated before. I wonder where Kilchoman will now source their malt with Port Ellen Maltings now supplying only the Diageo distilleries. No doubt they've made other arrangements. Perhaps they'll do as Bruichladdich has long done and secure a deal with Bairds of Inverness. Who knows? Cheers.
Thanks Russell. I didn't try that 2020 release. I think I had too many other things going on at the time 🙂 but I imagine it was fantastic too. I do have a very old Cask Strength Kilchoman unopened on my shelf. I believe it's a 5yo in a green box. I shall have to dust that off at some point for a comparison.
Very worrying about the Port Ellen malt. And not at all surprising that Diageo have let a bunch of people down! And it's not just Islay distilleries that were using Port Ellen either. I wonder if Ardbeg will still get their share? I believe Diageo have a minority share in LVMH so they may be made an exception 😉 Hopefully this will encourage increased production and diversifying of suppliers in future to make sure this doesn't happen again.
One temporary solution for Kilchoman would be to switch to whatever other supply they can find and lat down some unpeated casks. They have made unpeated whisky before and it was very good. Might be a better option than trying to use peated malt with a different flavour of peat. Fingers crossed for the future!
Got a bottle of this to open so I’m looking forward to it even more now. I enjoy their whisky in general with my favourite to date being the Loch Gorm bottles. 😊
I've been a huge fan of Kilchoman ever since I first tried their whisky at the distillery. Kilchoman was last on our list of Islay distillery tours and none of us expected much because they were so new but I think it was everyone's favourite 🙂
@@WhiskyLock hard to say what my favourite Islay distillery is .. been to all of them so many times , sometimes who you get and which tour or tasting you do makes a difference . It would take a very long conversation over several drams to make a decision 😂 Enjoyed your review . . And it sounds like I’ll enjoy the whisky when I open it 😊 🥃
Interesting. I tend to enjoy Kilchoman and I would think I would love this. Good to hear it is much better than the standard. Cheers!
If you like the normal Machir Bay then you'll love it 👍Look forward to your thoughts if you give it a try.
My local just got these in and they’re $89 USD before tax. Laphroaig 10 year CS is $109 before tax so I’m done with that brand. The regular Machir Bay is $55 USD so the Machir 2021 CS is a bit more. I’m hoping to get the same tasting notes when I get it.
Sounds great. I think Machir CS is more than capable of standing in for Laphroaig 10CS 👍
I recently opened regular machir bay. It's great, would love to try cask strength
Agreed. Machir Bay is my favourite core range Kilchoman and one of my favourite ever Islays. The Cask Strength version ticks all the same boxes but even better. I hope they do another batch soon!
Just picked this one up! It's great. Punchy and finishes pineapple covered in ash. Nice release!
It's great! I wish I'd bought a backup bottle and probably will if I see one. Enjoy 🥃
I love your reviews!! Your delivery and details are excellent. I do have a question, how does this release compare to the previous 2020 release of Machir Bay Cask Strength? I certainly hope you have the opportunity to compare and give me a bit of insight into the 2 of them as I have the 2020, which I absolutely love, and hope to find the 2021….Do answer if you can..
Thank you very much Cecil! Sadly I didn't manage to get hold of the 2020 release but as the 2021 release is very close to the standard Machir Bay but stronger and more flavourful I can only imagine them both being superb. Cheers 🥃
@@WhiskyLock thank you so much for answering. I was able to locate the 2020 out of Italy and I have 3 bottles unopened and since I commented on your video I have ordered the 2021 so I will have them both. It's one of my very favorite scotches! It's just loved and rare but so worth it when you find it. Thanks for your excellent review that says it so much better than I as to why I love it. Stay honest to yourself. I've already called for a boycott of Lagavulin 16yr until Diagio decides to give it a proper "Craft" presentation. Yes, I like your style.
Happy new year, Shane, and nice choice to open 2023. Kilchoman (my oswa write-in vote for distillery of the year) can perhaps do no wrong. Every release is worth trying, some are at least interesting, and some are truly sublime.
The ‘21 CS Machir bay hasn’t made its way to me yet, but I remember the ‘19 release I got from the Wills family during their US “meet the peat” tour.
And, I just opened my bottle of the 2021 Loch Gorm on Christmas. Needless to say, I’m a fan. Whiskytube doesn’t seem to give them their fair due, in my opinion, so thanks for giving them some love.
Loch Gorm is a perfect choice for a Christmas dram 👌 I had an Edradour Caledonia on the day. Unpeated but similar Christmas vibes.
Agreed thar Kilchoman are a strong candidate for distillery of the year and that they deserve more praise than they get. Odd that they're not hyped up to Springbank levels... although I'm glad in a way 😉
Hey, just found and acquired a bottle of the ‘21 cask strength!
Finally! (Though availability is a bit delayed here in the States).
Excited to finally try it.
I’m a big fan of Kilchoman probably my favorite Islay distillery. I have not had Machir Bay CS though, it always seems to be hard to get around here. Can always get many of their other expressions even some small batch releases but not Machir Bay CS. Keep up the great reviews. Slainte!
It's probably my favourite too! Cheers Rob 🥃
I've been sitting on the fence with this. It caught my eye straight away but I rather suspect I thought it would be just as you described. I recently got the Bunnahabhain 12 CS 2022 and have done some side by side comparisons with the regular 12 and whilst the latest 12 CS is excellent it tastes rather like the regular 12 with 10% more abv. I really like it but it's twice the price. The Machir Bay CS is not twice the price and sounds like it's worth a punt and I've always wanted to try that expression at a higher abv.
That is the problem. For these cask strength versions to be worth a try there either needs to be something wrong with the standard expression or the CS needs to be only slightly more expensive and good enough to warrant high strength. I think this one ticks that second box.
@@WhiskyLock Yeah, I'm convinced it's worth a punt and I've got one on the way. I do like Kilchoman's peat which has its own profile (every Islay distillery does).
@@welshtoro3256 absolutely. Islay wouldn't be anywhere near as magical if they all had the same peat. And honestly I think Kilchoman might be my favourite. Let me know how you think the CS compares to the standard Machir.
Just got mine today and was sipping on it as I was watching your review. Great whiskeys! FYI, 2022 Bunnah CS will blow your mind!! It's a masterpiece.
Sounds great, I'm glad you're enjoying your Kilchoman too.
Yes, I've heard a few people say that the 2022 Bunna CS is better and more like the standard 12 but turned up. Sounds a lot like what I (and some others) were hoping for out of the 2021. Intriguing!
@WhiskyLock if you haven't already, could you please review Kilchoman Madeira cask? It's my top 5 whiskey!
@@troublesome89 I haven't yet but I should. I really like madeira matured whisky. Thanks for the great suggestion. It's added to the list 👍
@WhiskyLock Awesome! Thanks for being responsive. Greetings from San Francisco, CA!
When Kilchoman first started releasing their young whiskies at 3-4 years old they were the talk of many whisky fans. But now their whisky is more mature (and I assume better) it seems as though the distillery has almost been forgotten, which is doubly strange considering it's on Islay. Maybe it's just me, but I hardly hear Kilchoman mentioned at all these days.
Yes that's how it seems to me too. I think a lot of the early hype was partly due to them being the only new distillery on Islay in 124 years. There was also a lot of nay saying back then which is something people forget. People doubting that it'd be any good or that they wouldn't last very long.
Their whisky is definitely more mature now and while I do miss the old days of 4-5yo peat bombs, even I will admit that what they're making is better now. I think the only reason we don't hear much about them now is that the novelty of a new Islay distillery has worn off and they don't waste money on marketing like many other Islay distilleries. Still a great distillery though. One of my favourites.
@@WhiskyLock There's still some hype for Kilchoman here in Australia. It could just be our tendency to support an underdog.
How do I manage my wiskey collection, deciding wich bottles to finish, wich to keep and wich to reorder?
I have to many half full bottles.
Great wiskey and video
Thanks Vince. I think we've all been in that situation. I eventually decided to limit the number of bottles I have open at one time to control the craziness but that's just meant that I now have a lot of unopened bottles which is only slightly better! In 2023 I'm going to make a conscious effort to taste and review rather than buying to try and reduce my collection to a sensible level. That's the plan anyway!
@@WhiskyLock Maybe a idee for a future video, how to manage your collection.
I feel like a made a mistake with Wolfburn. The Langskip was not inexpensive but oh so young. The Aurora I bought was $35. Practically free so it's tough to compare. I did pay even more for the age stated Bunnahabhain 12 but my little Santa hat Machir bay was only $10 more than the 46%.
Highland Park is my line in the sand. As an NAS I am not going there. I did Tomatin, Glengoyne as NAS but they were well priced.
There is value in maturation and I'm trying not to fall into that trap of great value in cask strength versions when the risk of youthfulness is to great.
That being said, the worst value bottle I have is a 9year old bourbon cask from Kilchoman. WOW!!!
Loch Gorm is overpriced also, but the sherry is slowly opening up to where I can appreciate some of the higher cost.
That's a shame. I'm still enjoying my Wolfburn Northlands which was a fair price although only 46%
As much as I like HP Cask Strength it is definitely young. Significantly younger and hotter than this CS Machir Bay. Enjoyable but it is fierce and probably best used to bump up the ABV of weaker Highland Parks...
Agreed that Loch Gorm is pretty expensive now. I'm sure it didn't used to cost that much last time I bought a full bottle. Very good challenging sherry with well integrated peat though.
@@WhiskyLock Langskip has that certain something and that special character of "potential" it's like you know it's going to be good... eventually.
I have to ask about Ardnamurchin. People are loving the CS. I'm just not sure it's worth the same $90 as that Langskip.
Kilchoman good whisky , i like sanaig . Slainte !
Sanaig is sooooo good!
@@YourEnglishGuy )))
I think my favourites are the vintage releases and Loch Gorm but really there's never been a bad Kilchoman!
@@WhiskyLock big problem buy loch gorm (
@@lightplays2181 Yeah availability isn't as good here as it used to be either. When I started buying Kilchoman years ago you could go online at any time and buy a Loch Gorm or 100% Islay whenever you want. Sometimes you could choose this year's release or last year's! Not like that anymore.
You never did a whisky of the year video, did you? Would love to hear your choice, sir. Happy New Year!
I'm just fashionably late as usual 😉 Happy New Year to you too! 🥃
I’m s huge fan of Kilchoman and for the life of me cannot understand why there isn’t alot more love and attention from integrity crowd - mayb bec of lack of age statements or that there’s simply too many releases, like the old shotgun approach of Bruichladdich it can be overwhelming? Always found Machir Bay abit too meh and sweet compared to all the other offerings but “CS” expressions always piques my interest. There’s a UK exclusive Sauternes casking that is very subtle and unusual as it’s not as heavily peated nor as sweet so everything is dialed down abit more but not at all in a dull way so I think ur palate wld really appreciate delving more deeply as a result.
The lack of age statements probably puts some off. But once you taste what they can do with young spirit all that quickly goes out the window 😉
Probably a bit of the Bruichladdich shotgun effect too. Everyone used to always be on Bruichladdichs case over that. I guess it is nice to have a core range that is repeatable and available.
I have tried Kilchoman Sauternes before but can't remember what the verdict was without looking at my notes. I do like Sauternes more often that not though and I've never had a 'bad' Kilchoman 👍
@@WhiskyLock Seems particularly odd given how much they rave about Ardnamurchan (for very good reason!) and Kilchoman is as successful with producing wonderfully flavorful, and perhaps even more flexible and complex, distillate for being so young, so I keep wondering if there's smthg else at play to explain the roaring silence by comparison. Maybe it's the novelty of newness or the fact that Ardna fits so neatly into the desired narrative / evangelical mission? I've gathered a number of bottles I'm eager to open, especially the Islay 100% & Loch Gorm 2021 (hope it's not too sherry sweet!).
See my comment just left.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask or CS, which one would you recommend?
I'd always go for the CS 🙂 higher strength and classic flavour profile without all that oak
KILCHOMAN MACHIR BAY CASK STRENGTH OR BUNNAHABHAIN MALT 12YR CASK STRENGTH???
I'd go for Machir CS every time but it's going to depend on whether you want peat or not 🥃
😀🥃👍🏻
I seem to be the only person who's not a fan of Machir Bay.... There's something about the young "funk" on the nose that I can't get past.
Sometimes that's how I feel about Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength. I love Machir Bay though. Sometimes a whisky just isn't for you 🤷♂️