As Islay distilleries go, Kilchoman distillery established in 2005, is definitely the new kid on the block. Based on a small farm on the rugged west coast of Islay, the distillery may be relatively new, but it practices a lot of traditional methods; such as being one of only a handful of distilleries that still practices floor malting. It also grows its own barley in the farm in which it is situated. One thing is for sure, Kilchoman sure does produce some phenomenal whiskies; one of which is the Kilchoman Loch Gorm. Taking its name from the famously peaty loch at the end of Kilchoman drive, Loch Gorm is the distilleries only fully ex-sherry cask matured whisky. Kilchoman Loch Gorm started its maturation back in 2009 within classic Oloroso Sherry butts and is to be continuously re-released as a more “mature expression”. Its predecessor won the distillery a Gold Medal in the Scotch Single Malt category in the International Wine and Spirit Competition. This particular batch was bottled in 2014 making it 5 year old single malt, so you can expect an even deeper dram from this bottle. Tasting Notes Nose: As you would expect the straight off the bat, rich smoky peat. Next a more medicinal hint that is joined by warm fruit berries and a citrus punch. Palate: A bold fruity loaf that is again joined by that powerful smoky peat, this mellows out leaving you with those wonderful sherry soaked fruits. Finish: Sweet and smoky The Kilchoman Loch Gorm is a cracking dram, full of character and flavour; so much so that you have to stop at times and remind yourself just how young this whisky is. If this is what the team at Kilchoman can do in 5 years, then I look forward to seeing what they produce in years to come! You can buy a bottle of Kilchoman Loch Gorm at Loch Fyne Whiskies today!