jonwilkinson7309
Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2018 Edition)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
August 13, 2019 (edited May 4, 2020)
I rarely find myself having a significant disagreement with Distiller's reviewers, but in this case, I can't believe we were consuming the same whiskey. I took a picture of the bottle at the bar, and I definitely was drinking the 2018. But my experience was much more consistent with the Distiller review of the 2017. Anyway...
This was the second of three whiskeys that I sampled at the awesome Flatiron Room in Manhattan. I've been building up my collection of whiskeys at home, so when I try a whiskey I inevitably ask myself of it's something I want to buy.
Of the three Kilchomans I've tasted prior to the Loch Gorm, both the Machir Bay and Sanaig were nice, but fell just short. The 2008 made the cut.
The Loch Gorm definitely qualifies as a purchase. It's bold, peaty and reasonably complex. Although the notes are similar to the 2008, the 2008 seems to play with the volume at 5, whereas the Loch Gorm is at 8 or 9.
The Flatiron Room
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
Good review :-). The 2019 I just bought is awesome!
@Rick_M Thanks - very interesting insight. Since it's summertime and I live by the ocean in NH, I'll start testing right away!
I find that environment makes a big difference on one’s reaction to smokey whiskies. We were with another couple Saturday night at our favorite restaurant on cape cod. The guys both ordered Lagavulin 16. You could smell them coming from 10 feet away. The women were both holding their noses and giving us the business. The drink was all smoke and iodine. Best glass of Laga16 I’ve had in over 20 years and I’ve drunk it in this same place countless times. Salt air mixed with the right combination of aromas make a “big” difference.
Each of the 3 Loch Gorm expressions that have been officially rated here has been reviewed by a different person, which is not a good way to ensure consistency of evaluation. I did feel that the 2018 was a step down from the 2017, but not by over 10 percent.