Kilchoman Sanaig - 46%
Distillery notes
The west coast of Islay, from Portnahaven to Sanaigmore, is regularly battered by strong Atlantic storms. The high winds and rough seas have carved into the coastline to dramatic effect, creating a rugged beauty mirrored in the whisky after-which it was named.
Named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic coast, Sanaig is a vatting of both sherry and bourbon casks. The high proportion of Oloroso sherry influence adding a balance of dried fruits and spices to classic Kilchoman citrus sweetness and peat smoke character.
“Sanaig neatly balances the contrasting influences of rich sherry maturation, bourbon barrel finesse and Islay peat smoke.”
Nose: Fragrant heather, raisins, pear and orange peel with waves of stoned fruits, mixed spices and rich peat smoke.
Palate: Over ripe plums, red cherries and hints of citrus give way to rich barbeque peat smoke, toffee, oak and dark chocolate.
Finish: Mouth-coating mixed fruit, caramel, cinnamon and clove with layers of brown sugar, spices, peat smoke and lasting sweetness
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Deep, chestnut gold. Forms a thin line which beads before gradually falling as slow, thick, oily legs.
Nose: Rich, non-medicinal peat, booze soaked dried fruit and candied peel, dark fruit, hints of dark chocolate come through with time in the glass.
Palate: Quite complex, the sherry notes very much in evidence with dried raisins and sultanas, orange and lemon peel, dark stoned fruit, coffee and dark chocolate, vanilla toffee. All of this is complemented by a soft, comforting blanket of rich, slightly meaty smoke.
Finish: Dark chocolate, coffee, Demerara sugar, toffee, rich smoke and dried fruit linger on the palate
Summary: This is a lovely whisky, rich and complex with just enough spice to really entertain the palate. Staying just short of sherry bomb territory, the cask influence is strong and in perfect balance with the peaty smoke. The slightly sweet, spicy and smoky finish lingers and provides the icing on the cake.
It's not the first time I've tried this one, in fact Sanaig is a whisky that's been a semi-regular in the cabinet for the last few years. At a price just below £50, it's great value for money.
If you would like to know more about Kilchoman, the distillery and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set with Brand Representative, Antea Allegro, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
