Kilchoman Sanaig Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

If Machir Bay is Kilchoman's bright, fresh public face, Sanaig is the darker, more contemplative younger sibling. Named after a rocky coastline north of the distillery, it's built to balance sherry depth against Islay peat smoke.

Expert's description

Kilchoman Sanaig is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 46 %.

Sanaig was developed as a counterpoint to Machir Bay: where the flagship rests mainly on bourbon casks, Sanaig is built from a majority of oloroso sherry casks, giving it a deeper, darker and spicier profile. The sherry casks come from Miguel Martin in Jerez, the same supplier that also provides casks to Glenfarclas.

The result is a whisky that holds on to Kilchoman's citrus-fresh signature smoke, but lets it play alongside caramel, dried fruit and a distinct sherry sweetness — a balance that has made Sanaig a fixed point in the distillery's core range.

Tasting notes

Nose

Caramel and honey meet dried fruit and a sweet, coastal peat smoke, with a hint of citrus in the background.

Palate

Round and spiced, with the sherry's sweetness first, followed by a growing wave of smoke and a touch of dark chocolate.

Finish

Medium to long, with lingering smoke and a final, gentle sweetness from the sherry casks.

Specifications

Name: Kilchoman Sanaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery: Kilchoman
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: Double distilled

Flavour profile

Peated · Sherry-matured · Spicy · Fruity · Balanced

Did you know?

Sanaig is named after a rocky coastline north of the distillery, known for its dramatic cliffs and harsh weather — a landscape that, like the whisky itself, is both beautiful and raw at once.

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Frequently asked questions about Kilchoman Sanaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

What's the difference between Sanaig and Machir Bay?

Machir Bay rests mainly on bourbon casks and is brighter and more citrus-driven, while Sanaig is built from a majority of oloroso sherry casks and is therefore darker, sweeter and spicier.

Where do the sherry casks for Sanaig come from?

They come from Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain, the same supplier that also provides casks to the acclaimed distillery Glenfarclas.

Is Sanaig suitable for people who don't normally like heavily peated whisky?

The sherry's sweetness and spice make the smoke more approachable than in Kilchoman's heaviest releases, but it's still clearly present.

How should Sanaig be served?

Best at room temperature in a nosing glass, ideally with a few drops of water to open up the sherry sweetness and spice.

Is Sanaig a permanent part of Kilchoman's range?

Yes, it forms part of the distillery's permanent core range alongside Machir Bay, unlike the many annual limited editions.

What does the name Sanaig mean?

It's named after a rocky coastline north of the Kilchoman distillery on Islay.