Kilchoman Sanaig

Score: 73

Kilchoman Sanaig entered the club’s tasting lineup with quiet confidence and a sherry-rich swagger, ultimately landing in fourth place, a respectable showing for a dram that’s often described as the distillery’s most versatile expression. While it didn’t steal the spotlight, it earned admiration for its layered complexity and coastal charm. On the nose, it opened with a lush spread of dried fruits, figs, raisins, and dates, folded into gentle peat smoke. Beneath that, a maritime freshness emerged, with sea spray and salted caramel teasing the senses. It was the kind of aroma that made tasters pause, lean in, and nod with appreciation. The palate delivered on that promise: full-bodied and warming, it offered dark chocolate, red berries, and a flicker of citrus, all wrapped in soft, ashy smokiness. The sherry influence brought a rounded sweetness that played beautifully against oak spice and a trace of black pepper. In the context of the tasting, Sanaig was great. It didn’t polarize, didn’t provoke but it did earn respect. Still for the price, fourth place felt fitting: a solid performer with depth, poise, and just enough Islay bite to keep the conversation going.