Kilchoman Loch Gorm (2016 Edition)

On this past Sunday evening, while observing the NY Mets conclude their entertaining and peculiar season alongside football on a rather damp day, it seemed like the perfect occasion to try a generously shared smoky dram (thanks to a friend!). Kilchoman is certainly doing things right; I've been captivated by Machir Bay and aim to expand my collection of their offerings. The aroma of Loch Gorm presents a sweet medley of smoke, sea salt, mixed nuts like almonds and walnuts, with a hint of caramel. It's a delightful scent that could be appreciated for a long time. The taste delivers a creamy, sweet honey and vanilla body, supported by a touch of smoke, milk chocolate, and a youthful heat. All these flavors are well-integrated, with no single element overpowering the others. As you savor these tastes, they gradually fade, leaving a charred palate with hints of black pepper and mint, along with some saltiness and bitterness that linger, allowing for extended enjoyment. A small addition of water enhances the sweetness by reducing the youthful intensity. This is an exceptional smoky Islay, a must-have for any peat enthusiast. Its spirited and untamed character lends the dram a certain charm, though it might be too intense for some. It's essential for any Islay fan. [Dry Glass Notes: Soot and brown sugar][Tasted: 9/2/16][90/100]

A friend and I were over last night, and I had the chance to open a new bottle. We were choosing between a few Islay whiskies. I'm pleased we selected this one. It's very well-crafted for such a new distillery! This Islay ages nicely in a full Sherry cask. It delivers a sweet, smoky taste, reminiscent of s'mores cooked over a campfire. The smokiness and peatiness are moderate, balanced by chocolate and citrus notes. I think this 2016 release is around 5 or 6 years old, but it tastes remarkably mature for its age. You can perceive the quality right away. This is an excellent middle-ground option for Islay malts. With a Laphroaig or Lagavulin, you either strongly dislike it or absolutely love it, with no in-between. However, this Islay demonstrates that middle ground; it's well-balanced, as if a Speyside spirit had a child with an Islay. I might even say I've found my new favorite Islay... I enjoyed this more than the Lagavulin 16, Laphroaig 10, and Ardbeg Corryvreckan or 10. Specifically because it manages to be broadly appealing and well-balanced across smoke, peat, floral, citrus, and chocolate elements. Importantly: I had it in a Glencairn glass with a few drops of water. Served over ice, it's muted and bitter. It needs very little water, at most 1/2 teaspoon. Broadly appealing and well-balanced... if only our national elections were as harmonious...

As I mentioned when reviewing the Caol Ila 18, I tried this one during a small blind tasting alongside the Ardbeg 10. The latter was quite obvious as I was already familiar with it, and the longer aging of the Caol Ila showed through with its muted smoke and sweetness. For the Kilchoman Long Gorm, its youth was very apparent, but that's not a negative. On the contrary, I was impressed by the aroma and flavor, considering its young age. It's a complex drink, with plenty of sweetness (likely due to the Sherry Cask finish) along with hints of dark chocolate, some citrus fruits, and of course a good amount of smoke. Again, for its age, it's a very well-balanced dram that makes me curious about their other expressions.

Aroma: faint tequila, a little salt, maybe lemon? Taste: smoky, peaty, more intense, somewhat sharp, more character, much sweeter than another mentioned spirit. Finish: some burning sensation but the heat isn't prolonged. Compared to another spirit. A pleasant experience - rated 6/10.

Quite smoky, reminiscent of a dying fire. Lacks significant sherry sweetness but has hints of chocolate. Smooth and relatively light for an Islay.

Overpowering wood smoke. Strong sherry influence. Notes of chocolate and plum. It's hot, even with added water.