Following the perfect score at the last meeting this was always going to be a tough act to follow. However that perfect score was achieved with a premium priced scotch. The theme of this evening was to find some good “value” scotches, even if this meant finding products that aren’t available in BC.
The Kirkland Islay Single Malt (picked up in Alberta) in particular highlights the restrictive nature of the BC liquor Distribution Board in not allowing good quality products into the province at reasonable prices. Read on…
Round 1: Arran Barrel Reserve
Cost: $50 CDN
Region: Highlands
Fun Facts:
Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland.
It is the seventh largest Scottish island, with an area of 432 square kilometres (167 sq mi).
Just over 5,000 people live there.
Arran has been continuously inhabited since the early Neolithic period.
NSC Comments:
Colour: Straw to White Wine to Clear
Nose: Fruity, Carmel
Palate: Fruit with some spice, Citrus, creamy
Finish: Long, smooth, oily
A noble little scotch, a different after taste. Share strong shades of cut grass(?)
An odd little scotch.
Drinkability: 6.0,6.6,7.0,6.8,7.5,6.5
Round 2: Kilchoman Machir Bay
Cost: $112 CDN
Region: Islay
Fun Facts:
Kilchoman is named so because the distillery sits in the parish of Kilchoman, Kilchoman Church is only a few hundred metres from the still house.
It takes 17 days to transform harvested Kilchoman barley into new make spirit which is filled into casks.
NSC Comments:
Colour: Straw to White Wine
Nose: Very peaty
Palate: Very peaty
Finish: Long, moderate, Oily, powerful, burns
Those that like peat, like it, those that do not like peat, not so much.
Drinkability: 7.2,7.0,5.5,7.1,6.5,6.0
Bonus Round: Kirkland Islay Single Malt
Cost: $60 CDN
Region: Islay
Fun Facts:
It’s Costco!
NSC Comments:
Colour: Copper to Amber
Nose: Oak Casks, Fruity, Peaty, Heavy
Palate: Spicy, Creamy, Oily, Pepper
Finish: Smooth, some Medicinal notes but nice ones, honey burn
