Kilchoman Sanaig Cask Strength 2024 Edition - 57.8%
From the distillery website
Created from the same recipe of casks as our regular Sanaig release, Sanaig Cask Strength was matured predominantly in oloroso sherry casks. However, instead of adding water once the casks have been selected and vatted, this limited edition Sanaig Cask Strength has been bottled at its natural cask strength of 57.8% alc./vol.
The result is an intense combination of rich peat smoke, cinnamon sweetness, and stoned fruits with waves of citrus, mixed spices, and dark chocolate.
“Ever since we first launched Machir Bay at cask strength, followers of Kilchoman have been crying out for Sanaig to be bottled at the same high strength. The wait is over and it certainly packs a punch! Rich dark fruits coat the palate and along lasting finish of sweetness and spice make sure this smoky dram stays with you long after you’ve finished.” Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder
Appearance: Deep amber, forms a thin line which beads before falling as thick, oily legs
Nose: Subtly phenolic peat smoke, orange zest, fruits of the forest jam, dried fruit, caramel toffee and a touch of wood spice
Palate: Rich dried fruit, soft hints of medicinal peat, dark chocolate coated caramel, young leather, dark fruits, subtle damp earth, oak spices and peppery warmth. With water, more dried fruit appears, together with orange zest, more phenolic peatiness and a touch of brown sugar.
Finish: Mildly astringent oak and soft ashy smoke linger together with cinnamon and pepper
Overall: I’ve enjoyed the regular 46% abv Sanaig bottling many times over the years and, perhaps unsurprisingly, always wondered what this would be like at cask strength.
It’s a good whisky, but compared to its lower abv sibling it feels a little unrefined and lacking in balance. The big advantage of a cask strength bottling is that you can play with dilution to find your own sweet spot and, for me anyway, this is a whisky which really benefits from a little water. Taken neat, the fruit notes typical of Oloroso casks tends to dominate, addition of water allows the typical Kilchoman spirit character to come through, bringing more harmony.
Currently priced at £70-75 which seems fair for a cask strength bottling in the current market. Decent value, well worth trying and also one to keep an eye on for future editions as there have been marked batch to batch variations between the standard Sanaig bottlings over the years.
If you would like to know more about Kilchoman, the distillery and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
