Islay’s smallest distillery released this Kilchoman Sanaig which is a composition of 50% bourbon casks and 50% Oloroso sherry, matured for around 4-5 years. It is named after a creek close to the distillery and it will be a permanent member of the core range.
Kilchoman Sanaig
(46%, OB 2015)
Kilchoman SanaigNose: a fairly friendly, balanced expression. The peat smoke is not as offensive as in some other expressions. Instead there is some fruit compote in the fore (pineapple, red apple) with vanilla. Grilled lacquered meat. Toffee. Also a little marshmallow. Soft mineral notes and sea spray in the background.
Mouth: peppery attack, quickly joined by some toffee and fruit candy. Sweet lemon. Caramelized apple. Some new-make notes underneath, but well balanced. Some medicinal, peaty notes towards the end.
Finish: long, still very sweet but with some brine and drier, ashy hints as it fades.
Maybe a tad youngish, and maybe a little too sweet for some, but other than that, a fine Kilchoman. Around € 55-60.
Score: 85/100