Kilkerran 12yo

Description

Kilkerran 12 Year Old

Kilkerran 12 Year Old is the flagship single malt whisky from Glengyle Distillery in Campbeltown, Scotland. This expression showcases the distillery’s dedication to traditional whisky-making methods and local heritage.

Key Details:

• Distillery: Glengyle, Campbeltown, Scotland.
• Age: 12 years.
• Main Ingredients: 100% malted barley.
• Cask Type: 70% matured in ex-bourbon casks and 30% in ex-sherry casks.
• ABV: Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume.
• Bottle Size: 70 cl.
• Peat Level: Lightly peated.

Special Characteristics:

Kilkerran 12 Year Old is non-chill filtered and naturally colored, preserving the whisky’s authentic character. Furthermore, the blend of bourbon and sherry cask maturation contributes to its complex and balanced profile. This combination of casks creates a creamy texture with a substantial mouthfeel, balancing sweet, smoky, savory, and spicy notes.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The aroma features dry honey notes with persistent floral elements, hints of butterscotch, dry heather, and some cereal/shortbread aspects. Additionally, there’s a touch of brine, reminiscent of a warm summer sea breeze.
• Palate: The palate is creamy with a substantial mouthfeel. Initial flavors include sweet chili spread, pepper, citric notes, and elements of cinnamon spice and vanilla. Moreover, hints of smoke and light medicinal notes add complexity.
• Finish: The finish is long, with a distinctive dry pepper capsaicin quality set against a slightly sweet background note. Vanilla and dry pepper give the whisky a bit of an old-fashioned gingersnap character.

Context and Significance:

Glengyle Distillery, re-established in 2004 after being closed for nearly 80 years, created the Kilkerran brand to honor Campbeltown’s whisky heritage. The name “Kilkerran” is derived from the Gaelic “Ceann Loch Cille Chiarain,” referring to the site of an early settlement. Consequently, the Kilkerran 12 Year Old, released in 2016, marks the culmination of the Work in Progress series, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to producing high-quality single malt whisky.