Kilchoman – Loch Gorm 2023 (70cl, 46%)

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2023 is an Islay single malt matured entirely in Oloroso sherry butts, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. Around 18,000 bottles were released. Anthony Wills and Robin Bignal selected 22 butts, eight distilled in 2013, six in 2014 and eight in 2015. The casks came from the Bodega José y Miguel Martín, which also supplies Glenfarclas. The nose has hints of cacao, leather, black cherry and light smoke. On the palate come roasted hazelnut, dark chocolate and roasted dark fruits, giving way to light ashy peat smoke. The finish is balanced and long, with a fresh Islay sea breeze.