The Kilchoman Machir Bay was recently named Whiskey of the Year by the International Whiskey Competition (IWC) and the Buffalo Whiskey Guild was lucky enough to get our hands on one. Kilchomen Distillery was founded in 2005 and is the first new Islay distillery in 125 years. Although Kilchoman whiskey is new on the market, its growing list of industry awards is impressive to say the least. We uncorked a bottle of the Machir Bay 2012 as we settled down by an evening fire – a fitting setting, because the Machir Bay’s massive smokey nose slaps you right in the face… in a good way. Its aroma of smoke, fresh autumn leaves and garden flowers is commanding and intoxicating. After taking in the muscular nose of the Machir Bay for a good 10 min, we were pleasantly surprised by how soft and creamy the mouth feel was. This whiskey slides down like butter. A tropical floral medley of vanilla and fruit all shrouded in a cloak of perfectly flavored peat smoke. This complex, thoroughly balanced whiskey is deliciously fun to drink. A perfect pairing for a moonlit summer evening by the fire – which we’ll be repeating very soon. Locally available for $55. Rating: 94/100.
Kilchoman Machir Bay 2012
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Buffalo Whiskey Guild 
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I recently tried this for the first time. I was quite skeptical with it being a new distillery in the Islay region. However, I loved it. It has a big peat finish. Not as complex as the Ardbegs I love, but I thought it was just as good as the Laphroaig 10, maybe evern more interesting.
To us Laphroaig is as consistent as it gets with big peaty Islays. We usually prefer it over Arbed 10. But for the most part, that’s splitting hairs. Now, after sampling this Kilchoman, another contender has seriously thrown its hat in the peat covered and smoke layden ring…
I have just purchased two bottles of the 2013 Machir Bay and it’s even better than the 2012 that I rate very highly. I am a big fan of the ardbeg but this dram at 5 years old is right up with the Ardbeg 10. Cant wait to see what it’s going to be like in another 5 years.
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