Kilchoman has unveiled the 2021 release of its Loch Gorm whisky. Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighbouring the distillery, Loch Gorm is the only annual limited edition matured entirely in oloroso sherry casks. Year on year the vatting of Loch Gorm changes in age, color and character.
The 2021 edition of the Kilchoman Loch Gorm is a vatting of 24 oloroso sherry butts filled in 2011 and 2012. These large 500 liter sherry butts have been sourced from Bodega Miguel Martin in Spain and filled with Kilchoman spirit peated to 50ppm. Once the casks had been matured for a minimum of 9 years, they were then vatted together and bottled at 46% ABV, resulting in 17,000 bottles being made available.
On the nose, the Scotch offers aromas of macerated lemons, buttery shortbread, and Moroccan spices, which give way to rich sherry notes and faint notes of peat smoke. The palate delivers cloves, dark chocolate and juicy prunes with waves of roasted almonds, sultanas, nougat, and peat embers. The finish is described as herbaceous, earthy and maritime with liquorice, leather and a distinctly dry sherry-soaked finish.
“Although we have always filled the bulk of our spirit into ex-bourbon barrels, the Loch Gorm releases have shown how well our peated Islay spirit can combine with sherry casks, something that’s not always an easy task,” said Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Master Distiller. “Rich bold flavours with a breadth, depth and balance of character that sets it apart, the 2021 edition is packed with juicy fruit, macerated lemon and sweet chargrilled BBQ smoke.”
Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2021 will be available from regular Kilchoman stockists around the world from this week. A limited number of bottles will also be released via the official website on Wednesday March 31st at 2pm UK time (limited to one bottle per person) priced at £69.90 ($96 USD) per 70cl bottle.