Kilchoman Loch Gorm Sherry Cask Scotch Review (2018)

By Father John Rayls

Rating: A-

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2018
(Credit: Kilchoman)

Loch Gorm is one of the annual series from Kilchoman, this one pegged to Sherry cask asging, and named for the peaty loch found below the distillery. The 2018 Edition of Kilchoman Loch Gorm Scotch Whisky was bottled at 92 proof in the Spring of 2018 and taken from 19 Oloroso sherry butts filled in 2007, 2008 and 2011. So, it’s a no age statement whisky (NAS), but if it had a statement it would be a 7 year old. This release ran to 15,000 bottles.

Because of a concern for consistency and integrity of the product, Kilchoman buys all of their ex-sherry casks from Jose Miguel Martin. The casks consistently impart heavy doses of sherry, dark chocolate and dark fruit flavors.

The founder of the Kilchoman Distillery, Anthony Wills, believes this to be the best expression of this Scotch yet released by the distillery. I’m not familiar enough with Kilchoman’s history to know how true a claim that is, but he certainly swung and scored big this time (see below).

The Scotch
The look in the glass is a combination of darkened gold with tan/medium brown influences. The legs appear thin and prolific and completely line the interior of the glass, but looks are deceptive, and many of them did not eventually drain.

The nose is aggressive and absolutely wonderful. It’s so good, in fact, one is tempted not to drink it and to simply spend the evening enjoying the complex aromas. I should note all this occurred after I allowed an extended period of time for resting after I had initially poured the whisky.  The scent is exceptional and filled with smoke, sherry, decadent dark chocolate, dark fruit and malt over some very light oak.  It blends and mixes very well and a significant amount of time should be devoted to its exploration.

On the palate, the whisky is thin and dry, with the ever present peat dominating the experience.  Most of the action is mid-mouth and it migrates forward rather quickly. The peat is ever-present, but not overwhelming. It simply invites you into a more intimate experience.

An interesting appearance of dark chocolate seals the deal in the presence of dark fruit flavors on top of malt and light oak. It continues for a period of time before the finish kicks in, which lasts for a fairly normal length of time.  It continues warming, but stops just short of actually being hot. It eventually migrates to the upper parts at the back of the mouth while maintaining a strong mid-mouth presence.  The peat and dark chocolate continue with a dry presence. My advice is to simply let it linger…

The Price
The suggested retail is $76.00, and I would encourage you to begin saving your pennies because you are going to want some of this.  Kilchoman Loch Gorm Scotch Whisky is a definite winner that you will want on your shelf.