Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2020

Cask type: 21 Oloroso sherry butts

Vintage: 2007, 2008, 2009 und 2011

Bottled: 04 & 05/2020

Age: 8 yo

Strength: 46,0 % abv

Level of phenols in malted barley: 50 ppm

Number of bottles: 15.500

Bottle volume: 0,02 l / 0,7 l / 0,75 l

Bottle Codes:
LG 01.04.20 20/18
LG 02.04.20 20/18
LG 03.04.20 20/18′
LG 09.04.20 20/18
LG 29.04.20 20/18
LG 12.05.20 20/18

Barcode: 5 060210 702892

Distribution: worldwide

.

On 1 April 2020, the Kilchoman Distillery announced the release of the new “Loch Gorm” as its first limited release of 2020. As is well known, “Loch Gorm” is the name given to the annually released sherry cask matured limited edition.

The 2020 edition is made up of 21 oloroso sherry butts filled in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. The 15,500 bottles were bottled as usual at 46% abv without any chill filtration and colouring.

A limited number of bottles were available from 6 April for £69.90 via the Kilchoman website. From mid-April, the edition was then available to purchase in whisky shops, but due to the coronavirus crisis, delivery was delayed considerably in some countries. A sample of this edition was also part of the online live tasting with Anthony and James Wills on 10 April 2020.

Anthony Wills wrote: “Overall there are a lot of similarities between the 2019 and 2020 expressions however the 2020 bottling is much more fruit forward, there’s a bit less of the dry sherry influence and more dried fruits and cinnamon sweetness.”

.

Tasting Notes

Archer:

Nose
Soft and sweet with berries fruits (blackberries, black currants), grapes and raisins. Dry wood and very subtle smoke. Cardamom and cinnamon, a little grated ginger. Nougat chocolate, caramel candy, soft fudge.

Taste
Soft and smooth start, directly well-dosed sherry sweetness with raisins, dried figs, ripe grapes. On the tongue with more distinct smoke, still more restrained rather than pushing forward. Chocolate notes and cocoa powder take on the fruity notes well, forming a close bond. Ginger, cinnamon, curry powder.

Finish
Medium length finish, increasing warm peat smoke, mixed with raisins and grapes. Leather and a mild blend of spices set a nice accent.

Very balanced integration of the sherry casks. Not too dominant, not too pale, actually just right to have enough of the distillery character on the tongue.

.