KILCHOMAN Loch Gorm 2023 Edition, 46% ABV

Kilchoman is a small, family-run distillery located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Established in 2005, it's one of the newer distilleries on the island but has quickly gained recognition for its artisanal approach to whisky-making. Kilchoman is unique in that it is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that grows its own barley, malts it on-site, and distills, matures, and bottles the whisky entirely on the farm. Known for its peated single malt Scotch whiskies, Kilchoman offers a distinct, smoky flavor profile with a strong sense of place, reflecting the rugged landscape of Islay.

Loch Gorm is the name given to its annual sherry matured limited edition. Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighbouring the distillery, the dark murky colour of the loch’s water is reflected in the rich coppery tones of the sherry matured Loch Gorm release.

Loch Gorm is exclusively matured in oloroso sherry casks from the renowned bodega, Jose Miguel Martin. It is common for distilleries to use a variety of sherry producers but for consistent quality and character, Kilchoman sources sherry casks all from just one bodega. A combination of sherry butts and hogsheads from Jose Miguel Martin are selected - providing two separate styles of maturation.

For the Loch Gorm 2023 edition, 22 casks have been selected, 8 distilled in 2013, 6 in 2014, and 8 in 2015

Tasting Notes

These ex-oloroso sherry casks impart a combination of heavy sherry notes, spicy dark chocolate, rich fruits and burnt sugar. This balances beautifully with the Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus fruits found within our farm crafted spirit.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!