Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2022 Edition)

Fantastically balanced islay

Nose: Tea Leaf, Clove, Vanilla, Raisins, Brine, Peat, Ash, Smoke, Eucalyptus Leaf. Palate: Clove, Raisin, Light Maple Syrup, Ashy Peat Smoke, Brine, Dark Chocolate Finish. Another really fantastic release from Kilchoman. A great balance of dry notes and mild sweetness. Its almost like drinking a slightly sweet earl grey tea. Lovely erbal notes, brine, and ashy smoke completes this whisky, its hard to find and a little pricey but well worth it.

On the nose, you are greeted by a light woody peat, sea salt, grape wine, marzipan, dulce de leche... On the palate, at the first sip the dark chocolate caramel, the grape passes, and immediately comes the Bitter and the tobacco vessel!... The aftertaste is medium to long! The bitterness and astringency of the grape remain, obviously enhanced by alcohol and yes, a very persistent tobacco!!. Very memorable!!.. Cheers!!..

Dark.

Fruité, sucré, poivré, tourbé, salé... c'est un peu partout à la fois je dirais! La finale est bien longue et fumée. C'est mon premier Kilchoman et ce n'est pas nécessairement mon meilleur scotch mais je suis pas déçu non plus loin de là, je m'attendais peut-être à quelque chose de plus par contre. On verra avec mon autre bouteille d'une autre catégorie voir si je serai plus impressionné.

Nose…..first comes barbecue smoke and earthy peat then comes savory meaty notes with a touch of white pepper and citrus. Palate…..nice mouth feel but not quite oily. Very nice barbecue smoke and mild to medium peat with savory notes and white pepper. Not especially complex but what it has is quite nice. I expect more dark fruit notes from a sherry matured that are not here. Finish……nicely long and like a barbecue shrimp wrapped in pepper bacon. Very good but I’d recommend Laphroaig Lore or Ardbeg Ugeadahl for more complexity or Springbank 15 if you want more dark fruit.