If you like the Sanaig -> Laphroaig triple wood. The Laphroaig is less complex and a more easy sipper, dangerously good, try it before it’s all gone if you haven’t 😉
Hi Jim,I really enjoyed this from the neck pour and down to the last few drops. With water it got very rich and delicious. At some point will definitely buy it again . Excellent review Jim, slàinte.
Yeah I’m the same. I was gifted this one. Peat and Sherry together. It’s the same thing I get with Lagavulin 16. It’s a world beater when it’s on but go back to it a few days later I wonder what the hell has happened sometimes. The burnt ends I definitely got. Would definitely have it again but not sure if it’s worth the extra £10-15 over Machir Bay. Really enjoying your reviews Jim. Your tastes and opinions are close to mine and would check your channel for an opinion on a bottle as often as Ralfy.
Very nice review, Jim! I haven't had Sanaig yet but it is on the buy list. I plan to use it as a intermediate stop on the road from Machir Bay to Loch Gorm. Kilchoman rarely misses the mark, their quality is strong and the only thing lacking in their presentation is age statements. Cheers!
@@WhiskeyNovice In Bulgaria where I live Machir Bay sells for roughly 35 euros which is a little less than Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie and Sanaig goes for roughly 42 euros which is a little below Ardbeg Ten. All in all decent prices for the quality. Loch Gorm on the other hand costs around 65 euros which is roughly the price of Uigeadail. Machir Bay Cask Strength is around 45 euros. I realy hope to see age statements on all Kilchoman core range expressions soon. They have nothing to be ashamed of even if they put single digit ages on the labels of Machir Bay and Sanaig.
@@Nikolay_Nikolov wow those are incredibly well priced. Loch Gorm here is around £85 so, almost €100 euros at the current exchange. Enjoy them when you're getting them my friend. And yes, totally agree about those age statements.
Good review, Jim. I have turned into a Kilchoman fan boy. I absolutely love the Loch Gorum, probably because I too like a well balanced peat and sherry whisky. I have to comment that your video quality is stunning-- the clarity and depth of field as well as the lighting is exceptionally good. Your ring light(s?) is doing a great job.
Thank you Bud. I'm having a bit of trouble with my audio at the moment. I'll have to try some different set ups. Haven't actually had the Loch Gorm yet. It's on the radar though so it'll be picked up at some point. Cheers my friend.
Great review as always. I really liked this whisky and totally agree that Kilchoman is a distillery to keep you eye on because the quality of their liquid at such a young age is very promising and they have great things to come. I would describe the Saniag as challenging rather than confusing and I like that about it. One minor comment is that backing track you use....I spent the whole review wishing someone would answer that phone ringing in the distance! 😂
😄😄 cheers Ben. Someday...someone might. Yeah challenging would probably have been a better word tp describe it right enough. My reviews, for the most part, are all one take wonders. Rarely do I find the correct adjective, adverb or even particle when it's called upon 😉😂😂. I had to Google that last bit btw 😄 Thanks buddy.
😄😄 cheers Ben. Someday...someone might. Yeah challenging would probably have been a better word tp describe it right enough. My reviews, for the most part, are all one take wonders. Rarely do I find the correct adjective, adverb or even particle when it's called upon 😉😂😂. I had to Google that last bit btw 😄 Thanks buddy.
I really enjoyed the 'Machir Bay' but I haven't had this one yet. Based on your review, this whisky sounds right up my alley. With the dark, cold nights not too far away, a nice complex whisky will definitely be the one I'll reach for, and this sounds like smokey Christmas cake in a glass. Cheers Jim!
For some sort of reason I've yet to try this expression. Thanks for reviewing the Sanaig, Jim. However....after your review I'll first grab something to eat. Your tasting notes gave more than enough suggestions for a very copeus meal. Slàinte mhath
BBQ and drinks at Jim's - BYOB (and you try some of his too!) - great review and great notes. I thought you were talking about me when you said "round, beautiful and a thing to be admired." Sadly it was the KK:) Cheers mate.
I’m South African & now live in Australia the last 6 years, both heavily influenced by UK & Chewits have definitely not made its way to either. Fruit Chews maybe your closest bet.
Interesting, Jim, and I'm going to make almost the same comment I did under the New Dram Drinker video of it...I understand this current version is different from the one I have...Me I have the first edition of it (limited, for French market, 2015, so before the official 2016 core range release), it is different, it was made with 50 % Bourbon casks, 50 % Sherry casks, at 4-5 yo & way more balanced than what I hear your version is (yours I understood is with 70 % Sherry casks, 30 % Bourbon casks) but my version did still divide opinions, some saying it was too shy, others like me (the majority of people I spoke to or read reviews, to be honest) finding it very complex & beautiful, super balanced & different from the Machir Bay...What happened is that this first version had so much success here (& I heard but not sure it was also available in Germany) that they did switched it from a limited release to core range...(Anthony Wills info). The recipe changed a few years ago & I saw the color get darker...Now if you're looking for a more sherried Kilchoman, the one to look for is obviously not this one but the "Loch Gorm" ! (especially some say the 2018-2020 releases, said to be the best ones). I have the 2nd release of it (2015) & i is delightful...Cheers !
Some say that the “dark batch” of Sanaig is even better than Loch Gorm. I have the Loch Gorm 2021 unopened and it seems a bit clearer than my now finished Sanaig. Conclusion: 2 bottles of Sanaig on my way, this release seems to improve a lot since 2018 (the natural dark color says much, very active casks). PX cask 2021 seems to be a nice one too, not opened yet as I’m working my way on other bottles at the moment.
@@Nocturnalpriest I guess, as usual, that "the proof is n the pudding", as they say, right ? (it is also I beleive a question of personal taste). Thanks for your feedback (but I always prefer a personal feedback than "hear say" so looking forward to hear your post-tasting thoughts), Cheers !
@@GregsWhiskyGuide My personal tasting notes on my now finished and dark looking Sanaig are from memory: Laphroaig like peat smoke almost petrol/kerosene like (I love that 😅), Amsterdamer pipe tobacco, brine, seashells, sweetness that is a mixed bag of desert like flavors (vanilla/chocolate), some red and dark berries . The palate is very complex with all the nosed stuff evolving and the finish is medium to long (for a peated malt, medium), a nice ashy smoke remains after the sweetness fades out. This is a complex whisky, which I like, a great ride but also highly drinkable after breathing. At first when I opened the bottle it was a small disappointment as I found the alcohol was strangely agressive at 46% coming from a 48% Laphroaig triple wood. It opened up greatly after some days and the bottle is gone in about 2 weeks with the help of good friends 😁 It must be younger than Loch Gorm (my 2021 L.Gorm bottle says 9y.o.) but so dark and awesome. I hope to get that kind of Sanaig again, if it’s inconsistent I will report back 😉
@@Nocturnalpriest Thanks a lot, it's interesting as it seems to really differ from my old bottling, with an emphasis of Sherry casks (70 % instead of 50 % for the first releases like the one I have). I might invest in a bottle at some point, Cheers !
My very favorite malt these days is the NAS Glen Scotia Victoriana, and even though it's been a few years and things change, the NAS Ardbeg Uigeadail is usually as Top Shelf as you get with a peated malt; so a NAS is not necessarily The Sign of The Beast 👹 Embarrassed to admit that I've never bought a Kilchoman; I simply don't see it much.
I honestly don’t know if I’m hungry or fancy a dram after this review Jim 😁. Maybe I should settle for both? Great review, this indeed is a bit of a puzzler, a rollercoaster as you say, and I too have a soft spot for The machir bay. Now where did I put the charcoal?
Try to get you the first edition of it (limited, for French market, 2015, before the official 2016 core range release), it is different, see my comment to Jim for more)
![Scarabus Islay Single Malt [Hunter Laing] Review](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IA13PGtFQfg/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh I’m definitely getting some bbq pork ribs for lunch 🤤🤤🤤
😂😂 only the power of suggestion Antonio. Cheers buddy.
If you like the Sanaig -> Laphroaig triple wood. The Laphroaig is less complex and a more easy sipper, dangerously good, try it before it’s all gone if you haven’t 😉
Hi Jim,I really enjoyed this from the neck pour and down to the last few drops. With water it got very rich and delicious. At some point will definitely buy it again . Excellent review Jim, slàinte.
Cheers David. Oh as "challenging" as I found it...I'll still replace it.
Yeah I’m the same. I was gifted this one. Peat and Sherry together. It’s the same thing I get with Lagavulin 16. It’s a world beater when it’s on but go back to it a few days later I wonder what the hell has happened sometimes. The burnt ends I definitely got. Would definitely have it again but not sure if it’s worth the extra £10-15 over Machir Bay. Really enjoying your reviews Jim. Your tastes and opinions are close to mine and would check your channel for an opinion on a bottle as often as Ralfy.
Very kind of you to say Greig, thank you.
'Tunes! Help you breathe more easily!' Th'on sounds like a 'wild' kind of a whisky altogether. I might take a punt of the Machir Bay though. :)
I knew if anyone knew what I was talkin' about it would be you Rich 😄.
Yeah the Machir Bay is hard to beat mate.
Cheers.
Very nice review, Jim!
I haven't had Sanaig yet but it is on the buy list. I plan to use it as a intermediate stop on the road from Machir Bay to Loch Gorm. Kilchoman rarely misses the mark, their quality is strong and the only thing lacking in their presentation is age statements.
Cheers!
Yeah I think that's a good place to put it. They're expensive enough for NAS whiskies but I totally agree...the quality is their.
Cheers.
@@WhiskeyNovice In Bulgaria where I live Machir Bay sells for roughly 35 euros which is a little less than Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie and Sanaig goes for roughly 42 euros which is a little below Ardbeg Ten. All in all decent prices for the quality. Loch Gorm on the other hand costs around 65 euros which is roughly the price of Uigeadail. Machir Bay Cask Strength is around 45 euros.
I realy hope to see age statements on all Kilchoman core range expressions soon. They have nothing to be ashamed of even if they put single digit ages on the labels of Machir Bay and Sanaig.
@@Nikolay_Nikolov wow those are incredibly well priced. Loch Gorm here is around £85 so, almost €100 euros at the current exchange. Enjoy them when you're getting them my friend.
And yes, totally agree about those age statements.
Good review, Jim. I have turned into a Kilchoman fan boy. I absolutely love the Loch Gorum, probably because I too like a well balanced peat and sherry whisky. I have to comment that your video quality is stunning-- the clarity and depth of field as well as the lighting is exceptionally good. Your ring light(s?) is doing a great job.
Thank you Bud. I'm having a bit of trouble with my audio at the moment. I'll have to try some different set ups.
Haven't actually had the Loch Gorm yet. It's on the radar though so it'll be picked up at some point.
Cheers my friend.
Great review as always. I really liked this whisky and totally agree that Kilchoman is a distillery to keep you eye on because the quality of their liquid at such a young age is very promising and they have great things to come. I would describe the Saniag as challenging rather than confusing and I like that about it. One minor comment is that backing track you use....I spent the whole review wishing someone would answer that phone ringing in the distance! 😂
😄😄 cheers Ben. Someday...someone might.
Yeah challenging would probably have been a better word tp describe it right enough. My reviews, for the most part, are all one take wonders. Rarely do I find the correct adjective, adverb or even particle when it's called upon 😉😂😂.
I had to Google that last bit btw 😄
Thanks buddy.
😄😄 cheers Ben. Someday...someone might.
Yeah challenging would probably have been a better word tp describe it right enough. My reviews, for the most part, are all one take wonders. Rarely do I find the correct adjective, adverb or even particle when it's called upon 😉😂😂.
I had to Google that last bit btw 😄
Thanks buddy.
@@WhiskeyNovice Hello Whiskey Novice how may I assist you? 😂
I really enjoyed the 'Machir Bay' but I haven't had this one yet. Based on your review, this whisky sounds right up my alley. With the dark, cold nights not too far away, a nice complex whisky will definitely be the one I'll reach for, and this sounds like smokey Christmas cake in a glass. Cheers Jim!
I like your thinking Billy. And with the amount of dark, cold nights we get...😄
Cheers mate.
For some sort of reason I've yet to try this expression.
Thanks for reviewing the Sanaig, Jim. However....after your review I'll first grab something to eat. Your tasting notes gave more than enough suggestions for a very copeus meal.
Slàinte mhath
😄😄 cheers Frank. Maybe haggis eh?
Slàinte my friend. Enjoy your trip.
@@WhiskeyNovice I had hope to see haggis on the menu indeed, but unfortunately that treat has to wait.
BBQ and drinks at Jim's - BYOB (and you try some of his too!) - great review and great notes. I thought you were talking about me when you said "round, beautiful and a thing to be admired." Sadly it was the KK:) Cheers mate.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 cheers Al 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’m South African & now live in Australia the last 6 years, both heavily influenced by UK & Chewits have definitely not made its way to either. Fruit Chews maybe your closest bet.
Interesting, Jim, and I'm going to make almost the same comment I did under the New Dram Drinker video of it...I understand this current version is different from the one I have...Me I have the first edition of it (limited, for French market, 2015, so before the official 2016 core range release), it is different, it was made with 50 % Bourbon casks, 50 % Sherry casks, at 4-5 yo & way more balanced than what I hear your version is (yours I understood is with 70 % Sherry casks, 30 % Bourbon casks) but my version did still divide opinions, some saying it was too shy, others like me (the majority of people I spoke to or read reviews, to be honest) finding it very complex & beautiful, super balanced & different from the Machir Bay...What happened is that this first version had so much success here (& I heard but not sure it was also available in Germany) that they did switched it from a limited release to core range...(Anthony Wills info). The recipe changed a few years ago & I saw the color get darker...Now if you're looking for a more sherried Kilchoman, the one to look for is obviously not this one but the "Loch Gorm" ! (especially some say the 2018-2020 releases, said to be the best ones). I have the 2nd release of it (2015) & i is delightful...Cheers !
Thank you Greg. I'll move on to the Loch Gorm next and review it at some point. This one's definately interesting for sure.
Cheers buddy.
Some say that the “dark batch” of Sanaig is even better than Loch Gorm. I have the Loch Gorm 2021 unopened and it seems a bit clearer than my now finished Sanaig. Conclusion: 2 bottles of Sanaig on my way, this release seems to improve a lot since 2018 (the natural dark color says much, very active casks). PX cask 2021 seems to be a nice one too, not opened yet as I’m working my way on other bottles at the moment.
@@Nocturnalpriest I guess, as usual, that "the proof is n the pudding", as they say, right ? (it is also I beleive a question of personal taste). Thanks for your feedback (but I always prefer a personal feedback than "hear say" so looking forward to hear your post-tasting thoughts), Cheers !
@@GregsWhiskyGuide My personal tasting notes on my now finished and dark looking Sanaig are from memory:
Laphroaig like peat smoke almost petrol/kerosene like (I love that 😅), Amsterdamer pipe tobacco, brine, seashells, sweetness that is a mixed bag of desert like flavors (vanilla/chocolate), some red and dark berries . The palate is very complex with all the nosed stuff evolving and the finish is medium to long (for a peated malt, medium), a nice ashy smoke remains after the sweetness fades out. This is a complex whisky, which I like, a great ride but also highly drinkable after breathing.
At first when I opened the bottle it was a small disappointment as I found the alcohol was strangely agressive at 46% coming from a 48% Laphroaig triple wood. It opened up greatly after some days and the bottle is gone in about 2 weeks with the help of good friends 😁 It must be younger than Loch Gorm (my 2021 L.Gorm bottle says 9y.o.) but so dark and awesome. I hope to get that kind of Sanaig again, if it’s inconsistent I will report back 😉
@@Nocturnalpriest Thanks a lot, it's interesting as it seems to really differ from my old bottling, with an emphasis of Sherry casks (70 % instead of 50 % for the first releases like the one I have). I might invest in a bottle at some point, Cheers !
Never apologize to vegetarians.
I'm no sherry maturation guy but I did like this one. It definitely changes as the level goes down in the bottle.
@@JimmyLeg 😄😄
You want a hidden gem, try BENROMACH CASK STRENGTH VINTAGE 2009 SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY (BATCH 4) 57.2% if you can find it.
I have the batch 1 but still nursing it. Lovely stuff. When it needs replaced I will look for the batch 4.
Cheers.
My very favorite malt these days is the NAS Glen Scotia Victoriana, and even though it's been a few years and things change, the NAS Ardbeg Uigeadail is usually as Top Shelf as you get with a peated malt; so a NAS is not necessarily The Sign of The Beast 👹
Embarrassed to admit that I've never bought a Kilchoman; I simply don't see it much.
Oh totally agree Chris. There are some fantastic NAS whiskies out there. I derinately wouldn't count them out.
Cheers buddy.
@@WhiskeyNovice I just picked up my first bottle of this, looking forward to getting to know it. Merry Christmas 🎄
Happy days. Merry Christmas Chris.
I honestly don’t know if I’m hungry or fancy a dram after this review Jim 😁. Maybe I should settle for both? Great review, this indeed is a bit of a puzzler, a rollercoaster as you say, and I too have a soft spot for The machir bay. Now where did I put the charcoal?
😄😄 get the bacon on Menno.
Cheers buddy.
Try to get you the first edition of it (limited, for French market, 2015, before the official 2016 core range release), it is different, see my comment to Jim for more)