Kilchoman Sanaig (2016 Edition)

At Distillery 2018 Although states 2016 on distiller app no year on picture

This is a second taste of the Sanaig, but from a batch bottled in 2017. I didn’t see the need to create another entry because Kilchoman isn’t trying to capitalize on separate vintages. I also have an earlier review of the 2016 if you search this particular bottle further down in the reviews. Kilchoman is one of Islay’s newer upstarts and they are starting to have plenty of aged stock to hit the market, but they are still releasing quality NAS stuff, like this Sanaig. This gets its name from a nearby stream on the western side of Islay. This is primarily ex-sherry matured whisky, with this 2017 bottling adding a bit of ex-bourbon cask aged juice. It’s bottled at 46% and I overpaid a bit for this bottle ($78) as I bought it while on a golf trip to Myrtle Beach, SC back in February of this year. The appearance is a deep gold and there are lots of undefined, oily legs and tiny beads left behind after a thorough spin. The nose is heavily sherried smoke and stewed berries. There’s light citrus and rich caramel mingling around if you dig deep enough. The smoke, sherry and light sea notes carry the bulk of the load here. More ex-bourbon whisky would’ve easily added extra layers and depth here, but I’m not complaining. The palate brings smoke, earthy peat and toffee followed by the aforementioned vanilla and barrel notes. It’s very smooth and warming, bottled perfectly at 46% ABV in my opinion, and there’s a lingering orange and tangerine note left behind after the midsip and swallow. The finish is medium, tending towards long, with smoky BBQ’d meats. It’s oily and mouth and throat coating with a nice grape-y sherry sweetness. Overall, I had a sample of the 2016 batch awhile back and thoroughly enjoyed it- awarding it 4 stars and proclaiming big things for Kilchoman and their early NAS lines. This batch seemed a bit toned down and lacked as much depth as the 2016, but it’s still a fantastic dram. If you can find a bottle of either vintage at a reasonable price you won’t be disappointed. This one sits comfortably at 3.75-4 stars. Buy and enjoy with confidence, my friends. Cheers.

Smoky nose, fruity taste, strong finish. Way more peat smell than taste. Surprisingly smooth.