This Christmassy limited edition from Kilchoman distillery in Islay has taken their Machir Bay expression and produced it in its purest form at cask strength. There's also a festive twist on the box, featuring sheep in Santa hats! Machir Bay whisky itself is named after the beautiful beach located just two kilometres from the distillery and is matured in a selection of both bourbon and sherry barrels. A dram of this comes at a sturdy 58.6% abv.
Hints of lemon zest and vanilla are on the forefront of the nose but eventually mellow to allow a burst of floral intensity, juicy pears and peaches to take control. The palate is rich with dried sultanas, warm smoke with a honey-like sweetness. The finish demonstrates strong notes of cracked pepper, sea salt and coatings of citrus that eventually fade and give way to a long-lasting flavour of peat smoke.
