By this stage, most fans of Islay whisky will be familiar with the fantastic, entirely Islay produced line of whiskies in Kilchoman’s 100% Islay range. Now in its 7th Edition, the range of whiskies that are made with barley grown and milled at the distillery have demonstrated the importance of terroir to single malt whisky and to spirits in general. Yet it was this first, inaugural 100% Islay release that set the standard for this superb series. This whisky was bottled from casks 100 to 103/08, and only 1060 bottles were produced. The Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay Cask Strength is bottled at a formidable proof of 61.3% ABV, without either colouration or chill filtration (as always with Kilchoman). This is an oily, ashy Islay malt whisky, with a slight menthol note and touches of burnt cedar and medicinal flavours. The craft production of this whisky allows for these flavours to really take hold. The spirit was aged for three years in former Buffalo Trace barrels. These bottles are notable for their blue wax closure and charming pale wooden presentation box. After all these years, there are very few of the 1060 bottles still available, so this is a rare opportunity to own a real collector’s item, and piece of Islay whisky history.