Been some time since I reviewed one of the OB standard line Kilchomans , and this one’s one of my favorites when it comes to the readily available bottles you can score in most good whisky shops.
Sanaig, named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic cost, is a vatting of Kilchoman matured in both sherry and bourbon barrels. This sherry cask scotch whisky is matured in a high proportion of oloroso barrels, 50% of each to be more exact… Although it is not bearing an age statement, one can guess age is something around 4-5 years. The barley used for making Sanaig is peated to 50 ppm.
Kilchoman Sanaig, NAS , 46% abv , £49
Nose: Lovely fruity, sweet, and sherried, with stewed fruit, vanilla and some dried fruit as well (sultana, fig, prune), the sweet sherry casks are well integrated but impart a lovely sweetness unto the peated notes, caramel candy and vanilla pods. easy and enticing.
Palate: oily and mouth coating, with an initial pepper / cinnamon notes, citrus (ripe oranges), chocolate with raisin-nut and a lovely smoky edge with the sweet wine engulfing it all.
Finish: long and sweet with the fruit and smoke going a long way, some hints of tar and chocolate.
Conclusion: It may not be the most complex of Kilchomans, but it’s tons of fun. The sherry and fruit work very well with the peat and smoke creating a very more-ish dram. Love it.
Score: 87/100
Available at MoM for £49