Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2015 Edition)

My initial experience with Kilchoman left me quite pleased. In terms of its flavor, the nearest Islay contender I can think of is Lagavulin 16. It's remarkable that this is only 5 years old. It delivers robust peatiness, along with notes of gunpowder, ash, and cacao. A touch of bitterness slightly mars the overall enjoyment, though it's not excessive. I'm eager to sample this again in 2026 and compare it directly to Laga 16. While it carries a slight price increase over Laga 16 (specifically the 2017 bottling, as the 2015 is unavailable) in New Zealand, which I don't feel is warranted, it still represents good value. It definitely earns a solid 4, perhaps nearing the upper end of that range. I'm anticipating trying the 2017 edition.

Bright, salty, briny peat hits you on the nose. Once the initial wave passes, you can detect sweetness, dark chocolate, red berries, sherry, vanilla, and toffee. Salty iodine peat on the palate. There's some sweetness present, but not as much as the nose suggested. The finish is salty peat, medium in length. Not my favorite Islay ever. I feel it aligns with Talisker in its very briny smoke profile.

Gentle peat smoke and sea salt are immediately apparent upon nosing, joined by notes of currants or raisins and then lavender and nuts after adding a few drops of water. The flavors included sweet berries or plums, smoked salmon, and salted butter. The peat smoke is present but not overwhelming. It drinks like an older spirit.

Chocolate...check...Honey...check...Vanilla....check...Peat....check....Smoke....check....salty goodness....check! What more could you ask for? This impressive five-year-old, yes, five-year-old tastes like a 12. Maybe even a 14. A fantastic drink for about a hundred dollars.

Few spirits exhibit such intense peat on the nose, yet transition smoothly to the palate. It's malty and brinny. I'd award an additional half star if possible.

Rich, sweet, peppery spices masked by smoke on the nose; oil, salt, and burning apricots on the palate; a lingering, teasing chile pepper finish.