Kilchoman Sanaig (2020 Edition)

Nose: Grape jelly, caramel. Palate: Grape jelly, Saskatoon berry, hint of black pepper, and peat; slight blood orange note. Finish: Smooth, dry, peat.

Caramel banana and sea salt. Peaty.

This one is not meant for beginners or occasional drinkers. It requires patience too. The first impression was shockingly alcoholic and spicy, with huge bold peat smoke and green notes. However, as time goes by, the harmonic symphony between bourbon barrels and sherry casks starts to show in both the smell and taste, along with the medicinal peat smoke of course. Although young and perhaps lacking some careful vatting (hence the alcoholic debut), I still think it's worth the price. As a core range malt, Kilchoman is clearly establishing a unique Islay experience here. Score went up from 3.75 to 4.