Kilchoman Sanaig

When The Ladies’ Share visited Islay in September 2016 we had a tour and a tasting at Kilchoman Distillery. One of the whiskies we tasted was a new release this year: Sanaig. This is what the distillery says about it:

Sanaig, a small rocky inlet North West of the distillery is the name given to this continuously available release. Sanaig has a predominantly sherry cask influence owing to the significant time spent in oloroso sherry Hogsheads. These aged oloroso casks contribute a drastically transformed depth of colour and character compared to the mostly Bourbon cask matured Machir Bay.

Kilchoman Sanaig is a vatting of five and six years old bourbon and sherry casks, bottled at 46 ABV. It is available in Norway at NOK 639,90.

Very fruity on the nose with the smoke discretely hidden in the background. Vanilla and Marshmallows add a nice and rich sweetness on the nose. Still fruity on the palate. It is quite sweet. It reminds me of syrup and pears. The smoke is still in the background and well integrated with the rest. It finishes off as fruity and sweet, and with the smoke more prominent. This is a very well balanced whisky. To me it is not a typical Kilchoman. Usually I find them to be like a “punch in your face” with a lot of smoke, peat and broth. But this one turned out to be more fruity and gentle.

My score: nose 22 / taste 22 / finish 21 / balance 22 = 87

– Tone

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