Origin: Isle of slay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 58.9%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry Oloroso
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Kilchoman
Average price: N/A
Official website: kilchomandistillery.com
Vote: 84/100
One of the distilleries producing peated whisky that most fascinates me, located on the North West coast of Islay, is also among the youngest to open in recent years.
Kilchoman opened in 2005 and is one of what can be described as both a family-run and a farm distillery, boasting some firsts in the annual awards.
The distillery’s two flagship bottlings are Sanaig and Machir Bay, both matured in a combination of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks in practically mirror proportions, and while Machir Bay has enjoyed a cask strength release, the same cannot be said for Sanaig.
At least, not officially, because on the occasion of the 2021 Fèis Ìle, still in the midst of the pandemic, the distillery produced three sets of online tastings, including one called Kilchoman DNA, which included a cask strength edition of Sanaig itself, not available as a bottle.
If the base version, at 46%ABV, won gold in the 2022 International Spirits Challenge, what will its 58.9%ABV version be like?
Let’s find out now…
Tasting notes
On the nose, you get the alcohol content but is muted by hints of red fruit such as cherry, strawberry and blackberry. Immediately afterwards, a smoky sensation emerges that gives way to freshly brewed must, reminding me of the Sicilian grape harvest periods. Cinnamon is present at times and a light vanilla emerges now and then.
On the palate, the red fruit remains, less present, bringing out a herbaceous and burnt side followed by hints of fig and black grapes that make the dram special, with a saline and medicinal aftertaste that makes you think of the sea.
The peat is quite noticeable but the alcohol content this time is not as strong as on the nose.
The medium-short finish leaves a sensation of burnt grass, mineral and saline.
In conclusion, I have to say that it is a nice dram, perhaps to have after dinner or before going to bed, pairing it with nuts or dark chocolate to tone down the alcohol content which sometimes risks drowning out the hints of red fruit.