Loch Gorm
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV (92 proof)
~$80 (sample provided)
Intro (from Kilchoman's website): "the only release matured exclusively in oloroso sherry casks. This edition of Loch Gorm is limited to just 17 casks worldwide and was selected from a combination of fresh and refill oloroso sherry butts over six years of age, the oldest release of Loch Gorm to date."
Color: medium gold
Smell: a big whiff of Islay off the bat with mild peak reek and iodine. But underneath the smoky exterior there is black pepper and sweet roasted nuts. This element reminds me of a reposado or anejo tequila. Digging deeper - and I'm not sure this is a smell as much as it is an impression - there is something very maritime about this nose...like a salty bay breeze.Taste: smooth sweetness on entry, and then waves of flavors that mirror the nose...as expected (in a good way). I think the sherry influence is much more dialed up on the palate than on the nose - lots of sweet nuttiness complementing the black pepper and peaty elements. The finish is medium-long, with a decidely more "traditional Islay" parting note (smoke, Band-Aids) on top of lingering sherry sweetness.
Overall: I am a huge fan of Kilchoman, and this is delicious whisky. Well-balanced, intriguing, and great depth and breadth of flavor without being a total sherry-bomb. For me, this is an "A-" and my favorite expression out of their distillery save the 2008 Vintage. There are some very well-known whisky brands on Islay, and I think Kilchoman's days of relative obscurity are numbered. With both Laphroaig and Ardbeg dropping age statements on many releases, Kilchoman has leapt into "peer" status, and they don't dissapoint. As their stocks continue to age, I think we have a cult classic in the making.
