Kilchoman Sanaig (2020 Edition)

N: Concentrated red fruit drying in the sun atop a mossy, peat-fueled fire. Cherry and peach are mashed with caramel and vanilla, suggesting a dialogue between the Oloroso and bourbon casks. The peat smoke carries a floral, herbal aroma with an almost perfumed quality – a characteristic I've appreciated in all the Kilchomans I've sampled. P: An initial impression of herbs, bitterness, and spice gives way to cherry notes, evolving from fresh to dried, and finally to a cough syrup-like intensity. It presents as white tea with lemon, vanilla, and a touch of cracked black pepper, along with some peach, pear, and spruce tips. The finish arrives abruptly and strongly, featuring hot baking spices, particularly allspice, resting on a base of caramel. Lingering herbal bitterness is present, accompanied by a faint taste of green grain (unfortunately). The conclusion involves cooked vegetables coated in crushed rainbow pepper. This spirit possesses considerable power and offers unique, intriguing flavors. However, not all of them are agreeable, and they don't harmonize perfectly. Despite this, I genuinely enjoyed it and would revisit it. This enjoyment is highly subjective, and I'd hesitate to recommend it broadly. Comparing it to other Kilchoman expressions, the Loch Gorm is a more complete whisky, and the Machir Bay serves as a more accessible entry point. The special releases (PX Sherry, USA small batch) I've encountered are richer and more substantial but play it safer with a more traditional profile. There's a distinct quality to this particular bottling for me; it's akin to an endearing, imperfectly attractive dog whose charm lies in its unique quirks.

Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling shows a thick line sticking to the glass, with slow-forming legs. Nose: 14/20 Primarily smoky barbecue notes, with discernible tomato and garlic, plus molasses and a hint of orange zest. Palate: 34/40 Smoky and briny, featuring ripe sweet plums and black pepper. Finish: 32/40 A medium-long finish, bringing in some lemon and dark baking cocoa. With Water: A drop of water enhances the saltiness but diminishes the elements that make this great. Total: 80/100 Final thoughts: All in all, a very pleasing bottle for what it costs, interesting enough that I will certainly seek to buy another once this one is finished. Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes

An abundance of peaty smoke fills the nose, mingled with sweet, succulent berry notes and honeyed grains. Smoke is initially dominant on the palate but yields to a sweet heat reminiscent of jammy stewed red plums, pluots, cherries, and figs, along with intense chai-like spices of cracked pepper, cinnamon, and star anise. Upon swallowing, the smoke reappears with a cool ashiness, achieving a beautiful balance. The texture in the mouth is full and plush. It coats the glass like satin, lingering persistently before forming droplets that slowly weep down the surface, eventually leaving two even bands of mist. The finish is semi-dry with mild oak tannins, akin to lightly sweetened, bitter pecans toasted over a smoldering fire, accented by a hint of orange zest. The sooty peat persists, soft and satisfying. Nose: 9 Palate: 10 Body: 9 Finish: 9

This dram is not intended for novices or infrequent drinkers. It also requires patience. The initial impression was overwhelmingly alcoholic and spicy, with intense, bold peat smoke and green notes. However, as time progresses, the balanced interplay between bourbon barrels and sherry casks begins to emerge in both the scent and taste, along with the characteristic medicinal peat smoke. Although young and perhaps lacking meticulous blending (hence the strong alcoholic introduction), I still believe it offers good value for the price. As a core range malt, Kilchoman is clearly establishing a unique Islay experience here. Score increased from 3.75 to 4.

SBS with Klichoman Sanaig, Kilchoman PX Sherry Cask Matured, Kilchoman Sauternes Cask Finish Aroma Sanaig: more of the Kilchoman peat PX: similar to Sanaig, but seems less intense Sauternes: definitely sweeter Body Sanaig: medium light body PX: milder and more approachable, sherry isn't that strong (if at all) compared to Sanaig Sauternes: more viscous, less sweetness than the aroma suggested, slightly less peat than Sanaig Finish Sanaig: no burn, medium long, straightforward PX: slight burn, medium long Sauternes: slight burn, feels short Verdict Sanaig 8/10 PX 8/10 Sauternes 8.5/10

Nose: Smells like fried potato chips, barbecued pork, caramel candy, wet earth, and white pepper. Palate: Tastes of bacon, wet earth, black pepper, dusty notes, black tea, subtle tree fruit, subtle summer berries. Finish: Lingering finish. More wet earth, leather, chocolate, and a mild saltiness. This evolves with each sip, revealing berries, chocolate, leather, and pepper, all supported by an underlying peatiness. A lot is happening in this pour. Intriguing, complex, and delicious. A solid dram all around.