2017 Kilchoman Loch Gorm Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"Brilliant Islay whisky, exactly what’s to be expected from Kilchoman’s..." - whiskyfun.com

Distilled 2009 and bottled 2017. Bright gold. Love the way this unlikely combination works with enticing aromas of orange spice cake, walnut slice and smoky raisins in a super-fresh maritime delivery. Dark chocolate enters in later sniffs. Manages a lightness of body with depth of flavour: a seamless amalgam of menthol infused peat, dried fruits, chocolate, baking spices, ginger snaps and brine. Outstanding length. On the drier side, though the balance seems more poised than previous releases with the sherry sweetness in check. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Ah, peace, civilisation, and all that!... Sure it’s sherried, but previous adventures with Loch Gorm have been pretty positive, so… Colour: gold. Nose: it’s like listening to Mozart in the car after a Black Sabbath gig. Not that anyone would do that, I agree… Wonderful pure smoke, with some Havana smoke, some dried fish, engine oil, black olives, kelp, a bag of winkles… This is perfect! Mouth: really very good. Wow, after the monsters, it is really like listening to Chopin after Ted Nugent (make up your mind, S.) Oh well… Salted fish, tapenade, smoked oysters, drops of walnut wine, more black olives, some kind of peppered and smoked chocolate (only the Italians would do that!)… Finish: long, perfectly balanced, salty, with some leather and some tobacco… All is very well. Comments: redemption and, frankly, a relief. Brilliant Islay whisky, exactly what’s to be expected from Kilchoman’s… Don’t know why they’re doing all these whacky and Machiavellian PX-ed – or even worse, red-wined - single casks, frankly. Wait, the Illuminati? 89 points - whiskyfun.com