Whiskey Review: Kilchoman Loch Gorm

Silky on the palate, with medium smoke, before mineral and brine come forward, giving way to star anise and preserved lemons. Finish: The finish is not too long, with baked green apple, marmalade and lingering smoke. With Islay whiskies, it is a tricky business adding sweetness and fruit to what has traditionally been a seaside explosion of savory flavors. In the case of Kilchoman, less is definitely more. Five years in Sherry casks imparts pleasant citrus notes that underscore, rather than detract from, the main attraction – like squeezing lemon on a plateau de fruits de mer. In this respect, Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm is a breath of fresh Islay air. I score the Kilchoman Loch Gorman 87 points.