Kilchoman Loch Gorm Review

Distilled & Bottled by Kilchoman

Region: Islay

Type: Single Malt

ABV: 46%

Age: NAS (~8yrs)

Color: reddish gold

This is the 5th edition of Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2017, this whisky was aged in Oloroso sherry butts for about 8 years before being bottled at 46% without chill filtration or added coloring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The nose is surprisingly ethanol forward given the bottling strength. Behind that initial waft comes an assortment of sweet notes: citrus, raisin, and maple syrup before it transitions to more savory markers of baked ham and clove along with some earthy peat.

Palate: A thin mouthfeel disappoints but there is a continuation of the sweet citrus and maple syrup on the nose. Hints of smoke appear before switching over to peppery spice.

Finish: On the shorter end of medium, the finish begins with used ashtray and old leather and eventually gives way to some ripe fruit and assorted roasted nuts.

Score: 5/10, Average

Conclusion: This is perfectly acceptable whisky at a top shelf price. But that’s not a good place to be. From its thin mouthfeel to its shorter finish, this whisky fails to impress. The scents and flavors never really come together or show much depth.

It’s hard to imagine buying another bottle of this when I can save around $15 USD buying Ardbeg’s Uigeadail which is both cheaper and much better.

I have always believed Kilchoman makes quality whisky considering I loved their 2019 STR and think that Machir Bay is a great entry level Islay malt, but I can’t see myself giving Loch Gorm another chance at its price point.

Rating | Description