Checked my Loch Gorm and it is the 2021. I have currently 7 Kilchoman's open so i might be a bit of a fan. I think that the Loch Gorm is on par with the STR versions i have, i have 2 of them. Somehow i love the more quiet, more depth of the Loch Gorm over any of the other Kilchoman's with the exception of the Feis Ile of 2021 but that was a spectacular one.. I think that this Loch Gorm is the best so far for my taste
“I currently have 7 Kilchomans open so I might be a bit of a fan.” 😂😂😂 Yeah the Gorm is one of their best for sure. It tops a few of their fancier seasonal and single cask releases. Excellent stuff! 🥃
Totally agree! Loads of great whisky convos, some wonderful suggestions, kind words of encouragement, and when needed, plenty of helpful info and constructive criticism! 🥃
Thanks a lot for the review! I bought this bottle last November from us in Israel! She was the only one in this store and apparently the seller did not fully understand her significance (87$us). I still have some 2019 left, so I won't open this treasure just yet! Shalom, buddy 👋🏻
First time trying the Loch Gorm was the 2021 version. Really great stuff and the people I have shared it with thought it was amazing. I'm a big Kilchoman fan alongside Ardbeg and I look forward to each new release. Big slide whistle move @4:53
I agree that Loch Gorm has been heading in a more sherried, less peated direction. I think Machir Bay has also become a touch less peaty too as everything gets that bit more mature. Still great whiskies though. It's a shame they can't produce the old ~5yo expressions in parallel to the current bottlings but that would surely be a massive pain in the arse to organise and market. As for Gorm vs Sanaig, I'd go for Gorm every time. Here the difference is around £70 vs £50. If I want cheaper Kilchoman then I'd go with Machir Bay. Sanaig is an unattractive middle ground for me. Cheers!
U do like Sanaig, but it's inconsistent. Some bottles are fantastic, while others are so-so. Kilchoman is still very much in the process of growing up, and the evolution of their flavours is interesting to watch/experience.
Nice to see your enthusiasm for this one. I'd be curious to know how you would compare it to something like Port Charlotte 10 or Uigeadail (ignoring the difference in ABV)?
Really mood-dependent question, that. I'd say I like this more. It's a bit more of an "obvious" whisky, but I find it more viscerally enjoyable. All top whiskies though, and I might reach for any of them, really.
@@Gwhisky I get what you mean - sometimes a simple but strong-charactered whisky is called for - whiskies that do that for me are Ileach Cask Strength or Finlaggan CS.
Sun chips? I love the plain Sun chips. Thanks for the good review. And the age information. The maturation definitely adds value. I see Loch Gorm so infrequently and it's relatively expensive so I'm still tempted by the Sanaig that is half the price and readily on the shelf. But for NAS it's more than the PC10. I have a bourbon single cask 9year that's great and the USA release Batch 5 is a little funky. I think I'm leaning towards picking up the 2011 Islay Barley. I'm glad they peat everything. They are really contenders for top Islay distillery.
The Islay Barley is fantastic. The Sanaig is good, but not consistent. There are fantastic bottles and so-so ones. The Gorm is definitely of higher quality, but I've heard a few ppl in the comments say that it's not readily available. Agree about Kilchoman, though. Near the top of the Islay pile as far as I'm concerned. 🥃
The 2021 release still hasn't made it to Bulgaria but whenever it does come I'll most probably get a couple of bottles. Loch Gorm is fairly pricey here, I paid ~60 euros for the 2020 release. Sanaig will set me back ~40 euros. Apparently Kilchoman have stabilized the Loch Gorm recipe. Both 2020 and 2021 are 9 yo, but 2020 release has also older casks in the vatting whereas the 2021 is composed of casks filled in 2011 and 2012 only. I presume this is the way it is going to be for the time being. Or, maybe, we can hope for 10+ yo Loch Gorm, fingers crossed :) Since you live in Taiwan, I've been thinking to ask you whether you have come across the Glenfarclas 2006 Warehouse Select - Edition #003. I'm interested in this particular release because I'm pretty certain that a part of the very same vatting has made it to Bulgaria as an exclusive bottling for one of the whisky fests here. The fest was canceled due to COVID, but the whisky was nevertheless released. It is 14 yo, cask strength Glenfarclas, priced ~102 euros, but no feedback about it is available save for one review with the importer. So I've been thinking to look for some reviews of the Taiwanese release instead:) Cheers!
I'm not sure if they're trying to stabilize the Gorm. It's an annual thing, so slight changes are normal. A bit surprised that they stopped using oloroso exclusively for this one though. I'm not sure if it's intended to hover around the current age or if there are plans to make it a proper 10 yr old, which would be cool! We did get that precise Glenfarclas release. I just checked. Could be good, I know nothing about it. Apparently it's already sold out here, though. Cheers! 🥃
planning on a visit to islay later this year and kilchoman is definitely getting a visit. im expecting to pick up a distillery only option but depending on prices i may go for a loch gorm. i was impressed with sanaig and machir bay enough to try 100% islay which i found a bit pricey for what the whisky delivers.
I'm sure they'll have some killers available at the distillery. Haven't tried the 100% Islay, but might skip that one after your description. Cheers and enjoy your trip! Jealous! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I think the 100% Islay is definitely worth trying, but it’s a different flavor profile than the other core expressions. Usually it’s 100% ex bourbon cask matured, and much more lightly peated (~20-30ppm) to bring out the delicate floral and citrus notes of their farm-grown barley. If you’re looking for a big peat bomb, the 100% Islay is not that. Another way of thinking about it is if the Loch Gorm is a more refined version of the Sanaig’s sherry cask influence, the 100% Islay is a more refined version of the Machir Bay. Lots of lemon citrus and vanilla.
Great timing! I was quite disappointed with the Machir Bay…some off notes like spoiled milk to me. Sanaig was better, but I’ve been slow to drop over $100 for another Kilchoman. A shop near me has both the 2020 and 2021…which would you try first?
Once again, an honest, comprehensive review. I know doing so would be difficult, but I wonder if putting aside a couple drams' worth from one year's bottle wouldn't be a bad idea for a more direct comparison between that older one and a newer release of the same expression. I'm tempted to try doing that (I'm saving small spice bottles just in case), but I wonder if I lack the strength to "sacrifice" even a couple ounces of something I'm digging at the moment before I get around to re-purchasing the same stuff...
I have tried both and honestly I'm still into the Sanaig a bit more. Not a sherry bomb kind of person although if it is done right (Arran) I will go there.....and peat and sherry are a great combo....still quite happy with the Sanaig. (about half the price too).
Sanaig is good. The better bottlings are fantastic! For me the Gorm has a lot more depth, but it's quite heavily sherried these days, so understandably not for everyone...
I was waiting for this video! Cheers for the review! I have got the option to buy the Loch Gorm edition 2017(81-90$) and 2021 (100$). Which one do you recommend and why, please? (I'm a peathead and love the sherried whisky)
I didn't have the 2017, so I can't really comment on that one. I can say that generally speaking the newer ones are more sherry-forward and rounded. The further back you go, the more you're likely to have a rugged peat presence. Really depends on your preferred style.
Have not had the new bottle yet, but I do love this whisky. I definitely prefer the Loch Gorm over Sanaig (which is a little insipid for my taste) and the Machir Bay. Hopefully they maintain their quality. Kilchoman is doing really well. I am planning to visit them during the Fes Isle 2022. They have a whole day featured for Kilchoman this year, so that's pretty impressive! Looking forward to my visit. I have big hopes for the new kids on the Islay block, Kilchoman and Ardnahoe. Cheers!
Agree. They do have a lot of potential. In the Sanaig's defence, it can be anywhere between fantastic and underwhelming, depending on the batch. Plenty of variation with that release, as we often see with younger distilleries. I would advise patience and a casual revisit over the years. For the time being, the Gorm is most certainly a better guarantee of quality. Cheers!
Hi Geoff, I like the sanaig but haven’t had the loch gorm. Is it worth more than double the price of the sanaig? (Loch Gorm does sound good though)Then again I prefer the machir bay to the sanaig. Thanks Geoff ,as always a good review, slàinte mhath.
Well I do think it's worth the step up in price. Sanaig can be very good, but it's inconsistent. Some bottles are much better than others. The richness, complexity, and mouthfeel of the Gorm are definitely better imo. But when Sanaig is good it's very good and great as a value buy. Honestly hard to say! Hah! 🥃
I have not tried the Loch Gorm yet however, I just enjoyed the Sauternes small batch at Total Wine. I have also enjoyed the Sanaig and the Machir Bay. All said and done. Sauternes was good but Sanaig is my perfect blend between sweet and peat. I listened to your review of the Gorm and I am interested in trying a dram, but you somewhat distanced your peat experience in the Gorm which tilts my selection preference back toward Sanaig. I know....I didn't try it yet but based on your and others reviews, and the cost, I may just stick with Sanaig.
They're both excellent, and I do think if you want a sweeter, richer, more "intense" sherry then Loch Gorm is the way to go, but Sanaig is probably the better value buy. 🥃
Had the 2020. For a full sherry cask maturation it seemed a bit thin and not as well integrated as I would have liked. All the previous Kilchoman bottles I had were 50% special releases and I really think they should set 50% as there standard for everything. Am a fan of the distillery especially the 100% Islay barley releases, any full in house dirt to glass product is a big appeal for me. Cheers
Surprised you're not a fan, but fair enough! Totally agree though, any brand that values a natural and honest process is worthy of praise, especially when the quality is this high. 🥃
great review like always!! after ur videos about kilchoman I added sanaig and loch gorm to my soon to buy list! but its really hard to find them in Quebec... also how do you feel this loch gorm compares to ardbeg uigeadail?
It's hard to find a lot of things in Quebec! 😒 I like the Gorm more, but it's it's lot prettier and easier. The Uigeadail can be bigger, bolder, more rugged, and more challenging. The Gorm character is much more approachable, I find it easier to enjoy anytime. Ardbeg takes a mood. 🥃
Are you in Taipei? If so, what shops do you recommend I check out? I work in Zhonghe so I'm familiar with the shops there. There are a couple of nice shops and a few lousy ones.
I like a place in Wanhua called Top Whisky Inn. Another one on Fuxing S. called Wine Collection. Both have very fair prices. Depends what you're looking for though, I tend to run around town a lot for the best prices.
I've never seen this bottle, but I did recently buy a bottle of Saing, and if I'm being honest, I really was underwhelmed. First contact was not good, with some unpleasant vinegaryness which dissipated once some air got to it, but ultimately I found it thin, with a weak Sherry influence given its pedigree & price. It'll get finished, but I won't be rushing out to buy another bottle anytime soon 🖖
Fair enough. I've had some lesser bottles myself. The newer bottlings are more stable, you might have had an older one? I had one bottle myself that I didn't really enjoy. Might be that, might just be a preference thing. Thanks for sharing! 🥃
Serious reachability on this one for me! Need to order another one. Still haven’t tried the Sanaig as it’s 75% the price of this one here. Doesn’t seem worth it from the differences you’ve described.
I love Kilchoman! Have the 3 core range taste them in sequence MB,S, LG and that's when and how I discovered that I'm so over this Sherry expression thing! Definitely prefer the Machir Bay even over the Loch Grom.... just me! Prefer Aberlour A'bnnadh Alba over the regular A'bnnadh and Ardbeg Corryvreckan over the Uigeadail. Even found 3 bottles of 2018 Glenallachie 12yr rather than be stuck with only the more Sherried current release but these 3bottles helped me know that for sure just had to say it. Thanks for being there for us. You Rock! Stay safe. How can I find your early reviews?
Well sherry isn't for everyone. To be honest, I tend to go through phases where I prefer sherry, then move into peat, then bourbon-matured expressions. It's a roller-coaster! But having something of a sweet tooth can be a prerequisite for enjoying some sweeter sherried stuff. Kilchoman in particular seem to lean pretty heavy into the sweeter, syrupy elements of sherry. I can certainly appreciate that they're not for everyone! Unfortunately I don't do early releases, although I know that's an option on some people's Patreon. Cheers!
I just got my hands on the 2022 version. It's honestly my first Kilchoman product and it's amazing! I love the sweet pipe tobacco dipped in figs and dates drizzled with citrus zest and sprinkled with cloves/black licorice. The after taste is wonderful. Even after drinking a cup of coffee after I finished my dram the sweet pipe tobacco taste still lingered. Now I want to try more of their products. Have you tried their 2021 Maderia matured? The store I bought the Loch Gorm from has one left of the 2021 Maderia and I'm on the fence to get that one or a back up of Loch Gorm.
@@Gwhisky well I was going to buy a back up Loch Gorm 2022 yesterday, but the same store called me out of the blue before my lunchbreak telling me that they had a bottle of George T Stagg 2022 set aside for me and it was actual MSRP. Needless to say the Loch Gorm will have to wait a little longer lol.
Finally cracked mine open and it is beautiful, can't help but wonder what cask strength version would taste like (maybe need to search for a sherried single cask bottling to get an idea). I really love kilchoman in sherry casks, was let down by Machir Bay but loved Sanaig
Kilchomania lists the 2021 Loch Gorm as "a vatting of 24 Oloroso Sherry Butts filled in 2011 and 2012." So no PX. I think in the same way that the Sanaig is getting better, the Loch Gorm is also getting better as the Sherry Casks matured whisky are getting older and older.
