We reviewed some 10th anniversary bottlings from Liquid Art back in December. Then it was already clear that another release would appear very soon: this Kildalton 2008. Easy to guess which distillery this comes from, and together with the sherry cask it sets certain expectations.
On the back label they include a list of their 14 partner shops. It’s a nice idea to put the spotlight on physical whisky shops now and then.
Kildalton 2008 (52,1%, Liquid Art 2024, sherry cask, 101 btl.)
Nose: a mild sooty note in the background, along with herbal tea, raw wool and a hint of inner tubes. Whiffs of engine grease, diesel and seaweed. A bit of stewed apple and citrus. A few drops of soy sauce and wet soil too. The expected coastal elements are all present, and it combines them nicely with a refined balance.
Mouth: rather excellent. Robust peat smoke now, with a big salinity and liquorice behind it. Lemony notes, some bitter almond, drops of petrol and hints of antiseptics. Then moist pipe tobacco, liquorice and fresh walnuts, along with some orange peels. A lot of leafy notes and hints of green olives in the end, becoming sharper and leaner.
Finish: long and oily, with bitter herbs, more olives, hints of putty and liquorice. A whiff of resin too.
Really good. The sherry comes back and forth, but it remains a supporting act, leaving enough room for the spirit to shine. Bottled at a good time, while there’s still some of the youthful vividness along with a restrained older side (and while the bitter herbs are kept in check). A bit more expensive than we’re used to from this bottler, but also a more renowned name of course. More info on their website.