The aging process of Kilchoman Sanaig is a thoughtful and carefully crafted one. This particular whiskey is a beautiful blend of four- and five-year-old exBourbon and exOloroso sherry casks, which have been meticulously selected to create a harmonious flavor profile.
The use of exBourbon casks brings a certain sweetness and vanilla notes to the whiskey, while the exOloroso sherry casks add depth and complexity with their rich and fruity characteristics. These casks have imparted their unique flavors onto the spirit over the course of several years, allowing it to develop and mature into something truly special.
What sets Kilchoman Sanaig apart is the additional maturation in Kilchoman's own oloroso sherry casks. This extra step adds another layer of depth and richness to the whiskey, enhancing its flavor profile even further. The combination of these various casks creates a wonderfully balanced and nuanced expression.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting and exploring a wide range of whiskies, and Kilchoman Sanaig is definitely one that stands out. The aging process of this whiskey is crucial in achieving its unique character and flavor profile. The marriage of different cask types and the additional maturation in oloroso sherry casks result in a whiskey that is well-rounded and full of complex flavors.
When I first experienced Kilchoman Sanaig, I was immediately struck by its depth and richness. The combination of the exBourbon and exOloroso sherry casks creates a beautiful balance of sweetness and richness, with hints of vanilla, dried fruits, and spice. The additional maturation in the oloroso sherry casks adds a luxurious layer of complexity, with notes of dark chocolate, nuttiness, and a subtle smokiness.
In terms of the aging process, it is important to note that Kilchoman Sanaig is a relatively young whiskey, with the components being four- and five-year-old. While some may associate age with quality, it's important to remember that aging is just one factor in the overall flavor profile of a whiskey. The careful selection of casks and the additional maturation in the oloroso sherry casks have allowed Kilchoman Sanaig to achieve a remarkable depth and complexity despite its relatively young age.
To summarize, Kilchoman Sanaig is aged for four to five years in a combination of exBourbon and exOloroso sherry casks, and then further matured in Kilchoman's own oloroso sherry casks. This aging process, along with the careful selection and blending of casks, results in a whiskey that is rich, complex, and truly unique.