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.

Review #002 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46% Comments: NAS, ex-bourbon & ex-oloroso Tasted after: Kilchoman Machir Bay Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 14/20 Mostly smokey barbecue, I can actually smell the tomatoes and garlic, also molasses and little bit of orange peel. Palate: 34/40 Smokey, briny, ripe sweet plumps, and black pepper. Finish: 32/40 Medium long finish, introduces some lemon and dark baking cocoa. With Water: A drop of water elevates the salt flavor and washes out the elements that make this great. Total: 80/100 Final thoughts: Overall a very nice bottle for the price, sufficiently interesting and definitely one I’ll look to replace once gone. Price: $75 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.