Description

Kilchoman 2024 Sanaig Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.8%            Age: No Age Statement           Country: Scotland

Sanaig is the name of a small rocky inlet just north of the Kilchoman distillery. It’s very fitting to name this expression Sanaig as the inlet is an excellent place to explore and develop your love of Islay. Salty sea air, seaweed, dancing fields of barley. The fine sands and rich luscious colour of sunsets blended with the howling winds. It’s simply a stunning experiencing, nature at its finest.

Kilchoman Sanaig Cask Strength is a limited edition release from the Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, Scotland,  same recipe but amplified. The Sanaig Cask Strength uses the same recipe as the regular Sanaig, which is a vatting of whiskies matured in both Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon barrels. However, the key difference is that it’s bottled at cask strength, typically around 57-58% alc/vol, compared to the standard 46% alc/vol of the Sanaig. The high proportion of Oloroso sherry casks in the Sanaig recipe really shines through in the cask strength version. These casks contribute rich fruit and spice notes that perfectly complement Kilchoman’s signature peat smoke.

Kilchoman sources their sherry casks from José y Miguel Martín, a well-regarded cooperage in Spain. The consistency of these casks is crucial to the quality of the Sanaig, especially at cask strength. As a limited edition release, the Sanaig Cask Strength is only available for a short time.This makes it a sought-after bottle for whisky enthusiasts and collectors.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: The aroma is a delightful mix of toffee sweetness, dark fruits like raisins and figs, and red berries. There’s also a prominent smoky note, reminiscent of barbecued meats and smoked oak.

Palate: The mouthfeel is rich and oily, coating the palate with intense flavours. The sweetness from the sherry casks is balanced by a spicy kick, with notes of dark chocolate, raisins, and liquorice.The peat smoke is present but well-integrated, adding a warming and earthy dimension.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with the sweetness and spices slowly fading away, leaving a pleasant smoky aftertaste.

Overall Impression: The Kilchoman Sanaig Cask Strength is a must-try for fans of Islay whisky and sherry-matured expressions. It offers a powerful and complex flavour profile, with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and smoke. The cask strength presentation amplifies the intensity of the flavours, making it a truly memorable dram. Kilchoman has been releasing cask strength versions of some of their core expressions due to popular demand. Whisky enthusiasts should appreciate the higher strength as it allows them to experience the whisky in its purest form, straight from the cask. It also gives them the option to add water to their preferred strength.

How Does it Compare to the Original Sanaig?:  The standard Sanaig is a fantastic whisky in its own right, offering a balanced and approachable introduction to Kilchoman’s style. The cask strength version takes those flavours and intensifies them, making it a more powerful and complex experience. It’s not necessarily “better” than the original, but it offers a different perspective on the same whisky.