Kilchoman experiments with Maury fortified wine casks

Family-owned Islay distillery Kilchoman has unveiled a limited edition single malt matured in ex-sweet fortified wine casks sourced from Roussillon, France.

For the first time, the Islay distillery has chosen to use ex-Maury casks for the full maturation of its whisky. Maury is a sweet fortified wine from the Roussillon region of southern France, primarily made from Grenache Noir grapes. The red wine grape variety is known for resulting in aromas of cherry, fig, and white pepper. Anthony Wills, founder of Kilchoman Distillery, said: “The Maury Cask Matured is a first-ever release for us and something rarely seen on the market at all. These powerful fortified wine casks can be challenging to manage, but when you get them right, they can produce something really special. "We are known for our full maturation policy for many of our limited editions, and this is another example of that, bringing through all those beautiful Maury flavours in a bold and balanced dram, not to mention the incredible crimson red hue to the whisky.” Bottled at 50% ABV, the limited release presents aromas of figs, raisins, and dates, complemented by notes of salted caramel, orange peel, and a gentle hint of peat smoke. On the palate, the peated whisky reveals flavours of pipe smoke, dark chocolate, treacle, spices, dried fruits, and cacao. Kilcoman Maury Cask Matured is now available on the distillery's website for £69.95 (US$93.50). Established by the Wills family in 2005, the distillery celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. To mark the occasion, Kilchoman released a limited 20th anniversary series and launched a prize draw for a unique bottling of a 20-year-old single malt from its inaugural cask. The distillery also relaunched Machir Bay Cask Strength last year after a three-year wait.