Home / Whiskey / Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%

Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%

Scotland Single Malt Scotch Score: 8.1/10

Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46% is a well-regarded Single Malt Scotch whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 8.1/10, it features distinctive notes of Ash, Brine, Caramel. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking single malt scotch expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

The Kilchoman 2006 Vintage 5 Year Old is a distinctive and vibrant expression from the Islay-based Kilchoman Distillery, known for producing peated single malts with a robust character. Aged for five years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, this release highlights the youthful intensity of the spirit, along with the signature peaty and maritime qualities of Kilchoman’s whiskies. Bottled at 46% ABV, it offers a slightly stronger character, enhancing the experience with more depth and complexity. As a relatively young whisky, it showcases the raw power and vitality of the distillery’s production, tempered by the maturation process that allows for the flavors to meld.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: On the nose, Kilchoman 2006 Vintage 5 Year Old offers an intense, peaty aroma that is immediately recognizable. The peat smoke is rich and earthy, with a distinct maritime influence that brings to mind seaweed, salt air, and wet stones. Beneath the smoke, there is a surprising sweetness from the ex-bourbon cask, with vanilla, caramel, and a hint of honey providing a nice contrast to the peat. The sherry cask influence adds subtle layers of dried fruits, such as raisins and sultanas, with a light nuttiness. As the whisky opens up, there’s a slight citrus note, offering a fresh and zesty quality that balances the heavier, smoky elements. The nose is robust, but not overwhelming, with the interplay of peat, sweetness, and fruit providing an intriguing complexity.

TASTE: On the palate, Kilchoman 2006 Vintage 5 Year Old is bold and powerful, with a lively mouthfeel that immediately delivers a blast of peat smoke. The peat is prominent, earthy, and medicinal, with a touch of iodine and seaweed that is characteristic of Islay whiskies. The ex-bourbon cask influence is evident as well, providing a gentle sweetness of vanilla, honey, and toffee that contrasts with the peaty power. The sherry cask adds a fruity richness, with flavors of dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots, bringing complexity and depth. There’s also a slight spiciness, with hints of black pepper and clove, that adds a bit of heat and intensity. The balance between the peat and the sweeter, fruitier notes makes this whisky an interesting experience on the palate.

FINISH: The finish is long and smoky, with the peat lingering in the background, gradually fading into a dry, slightly briny aftertaste. The sweetness from the bourbon casks remains, offering a gentle, comforting warmth. The sherry influence also lingers, with dried fruit flavors and a light nuttiness that slowly disappear. The maritime qualities—salt, seaweed, and a touch of brine—remain present, adding to the whisky’s coastal character. The finish is warming, with a slightly peppery heat that fades slowly, leaving a lasting impression of smoky, salty goodness. Kilchoman 2006 Vintage 5 Year Old is a young and vibrant whisky that captures the essence of Kilchoman’s peaty style. While youthful, it offers a compelling balance of smoke, sweetness, and fruit, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bold, peated whisky with a distinctive coastal influence. It’s perfect for those who appreciate Islay whiskies with intensity and complexity, and it can be enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to reveal more layers of flavor.

Flavor Profile

Ash Brine Caramel Clove Dried Honey Iodine Pear Peat Pepper Salt Seaweed Smoke Sultana Toffee Vanilla Zest

Similar Whiskeys

Macallan 10yo Full Proof 57% 1980 (OB, Giovinetti & Figli)

Ledaig 42yo Dusgadh

Laphroaig 27yo 57.4% 1980-2007 (OB, 5 Oloroso Casks, 972 Bts)

Glenfarclas 40yo

Amrut Spectrum (Batch 1)

Glengoyne 25yo

Highland Park 25yo

Highland Park 40yo

Tamdhu 30yo (MacPhail Collection 2009)

Balvenie TUN 1401 (all batches)

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 33)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 37)

Highland Park 30yo

Laphroaig 25yo

Nikka Single Cask Coffey Malt 12yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 40)

Yamazaki 18yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 49)

Redbreast 21yo

Yamazaki Sherry Cask (all vintages)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 56)

Bruichladdich 21yo Cuvée 407 PX

Compass Box Last Vatted Malt

Amrut Greedy Angels (8yo and 10yo)

BenRiach 18yo Albariza Pedro Ximenez Peated

Amrut Spectrum (all batches)

Bowmore Springtide

Highland Park 16yo Odin

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 1)

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 2)

Macallan Cask Strength

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 39)

Highland Park 18yo

Karuizawa 1990 Sherry Butt

Kavalan Solist PX Cask

Sheep Dip Old Hebridean 1990 Blended Malt

Timorous Beastie 21yo Sherry Edition

Amrut Spectrum 004 (Batch 2)

GlenDronach vintage 20yo Single Cask (all vintages)

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 44)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 52)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 35)

BenRiach 17yo Solstice Peated Port (both editions)

Benromach 10yo Cask Strength (100 proof)

Highland Park 17yo The Dark

User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%

What type of whiskey is Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%?

Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46% is a Single Malt Scotch whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%?

For the best tasting experience, pour Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46% into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%?

Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46% pairs excellently with smoked salmon, oysters, and strong cheeses. The smoky character matches beautifully with seafood and robust flavors.

What are the main flavor notes in Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46%?

The flavor profile of Kilchoman 2006 vintage 5 year old, 46% features Ash, Brine, Caramel, Clove, Dried. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that appeals to a wide range of whiskey lovers.

Cocktails with Scotch

Affinity

Balmoral

Dry Rob Roy

Flying Scotchman

Godfather

Highland Fling Cocktail

Irish Cream

Loch Lomond

Penicillin

Rusty Nail

Scotch Sour

Thriller

Whisky Mac