Kilchoman Sanaig (2020 Edition)

Loads of peat smoke fills the nose, mixed with juicy sweet berry notes and honeyed cereals. Smoke dominates the palate initially, but gives way to sweet heat in the form of jammy stewed red plums, pluots, cherries, and figs along with intense chai-like spices of cracked pepper, cinnamon, and star anise. Upon swallowing, the smoke comes to the fore again with a cool ashiness, and everything balances beautifully. In the mouth, the body is full and plush. Coating the glass like a satin sheet, it clings long and strong before collecting droplets into a tight ring that suddenly weeps tears joyously to the liquid’s surface, eventually leaving behind two even bands of mist. It finishes semidry with mild oak tannins resembling lightly sweetened bitter pecans toasted over a smoldering fire along with a dash of orange zest. The sooty peat lingers on and on, soft and satisfying. Nose: 9 Taste: 10 Body: 9 Finish: 9

Nose: peaty followed by a smoky undertone mixed with medicinal tones. Once I poured a taster in my glencairn glass, the aromas became more rounded and soften. Palate: mid and back palate Lots of heat, peppery, activated the salivary glands Medicinal flavours, hint of smoky bacon. The finish is long medicinal predominant. Match it with a Mediterranean platter, especially with artichokes, stuffed olives and capers.

Tasted after: Kilchoman Machir Bay Appearance (no score): • Deep mahogany color • Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form Nose: 14/20 • Mostly smoke and salt, a little bit of orange peel also Palate: 42/50 • Smokey, briny, ripe sweet plumps, and black pepper Finish: 24/30 • Medium long finish, introduces some lemon and dark baking cocoa Total: 80/100 • Scoring rubric 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, still it may make regular appearances in my collection • 4.25 stars Final thoughts: • Overall a very nice bottle for the price, sufficiently interesting and definitely one I plan to keep in my collection • A drop of water elevates the salt flavor and washes out the elements that make this great Price: $75 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes