Scotch

Whiskey Review: Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2013)

We review Kilchoman Loch Gorm, an ex-Oloroso sherry cask aged Scotch from Islay's youngest distillery, Kilchoman.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Caramel, mahogany, very strong legs.
Nose:
Very warm and smoky nose. Peat smoke, sherry, leather, warm caramel sauce, cinnamon almonds. I can spend several minutes sifting through the aromas escaping my Glencairn glass. Intriguing.
Palate:
Suitable smoky up front, yet less than expected from the nose. Salt, brine, prunes, candied orange peel, tobacco. Very rich with a round and oily mouthfeel. Opens up nicely if allowed to sit in the glass for a bit before sipping. Can be a bit of a bruiser immediately after the pour. The burn on the finish is medium in both intensity and duration. Dry, tannic, continued brine and a resurgence of smoke in the aftertaste. Conclusion: I initially had a difficult time nailing down my feelings towards this particular dram. There are so many things to enjoy about it, and I definitely do enjoy it overall. The difficulty comes in making sense of the balance achieved in what are bold individual parts. While the maturation process is intense in a dark way, the whisky itself drinks like a young and bright whisky. These two extremes colliding in one sip can be a challenge. Loch Gorm can take a little time to get to know, but I found the process to be rewarding in the end. FINAL SCORE: 84/100
Finish:
Comments:

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Joshua St. John

When not savoring whiskey, Joshua St. John can likely be found exploring the trails of the Pacific Northwest near his Portland, Oregon, home. A lifelong world traveler, he was first captivated by single malts during visits to Scottish distilleries. He continues to explore the globe, discovering its diverse cultures through the myriad expressions of his beloved spirit.

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