Kilchoman Machir Bay

Score: 66

Kilchoman Machir Bay didn’t quite get a fair go at the club tasting. Despite its layered complexity and evolving character, it landed lower than expected—partly due to inexperienced palates, and one particularly harsh comment: “It tastes like cardboard.” A bold claim for a dram that’s anything but flat. The nose opens with a brisk whiff of smoke, followed by a lively mix of orange zest, fresh grain, gingerbread, and toasted wood. There’s plenty going on in the glass, and while the peat is front and center, it’s not overpowering—more smoldering embers than bonfire. The fruitiness up front is bright, but the body remains light, and the finish leans into dry smoke and spice. As a Scotch story in progress, Machir Bay is evolving—older spirits continue to be added to the vatting, and it shows promise. That said, it could use more sherry influence to round out the edges and deepen the sweetness. It’s a whisky that rewards patience and context, not snap judgments.