Glengyle Distillery Kilkerran 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2024 Release

The Kilkerran brand has been described as "Springbank's big middle finger to the SWA" for trying to screw them out of a regional designation. In 1998 the Scotch Whisky Association decided to cease referring to Campbeltown as a whisky region. Two distilleries (Springbank & Glen Scotia) simply weren't enough. Prompted to restore the Peninsula's reputation, Hedley Wright, the owner of Springbank envisioned Glengyle as a project to cement Campbeltown as a region proper, rather than just an extension of the Lowlands. Its whiskies are now on just about every malt maniacs short list.  Many who were lucky enough to be acquainted with Springbank's output a decade or so ago appreciate that Kilkerran is essentially a slightly less peated version of the same malt - for less dollars. The same distillery team run both operations. There is a slight difference in the production process but the upshot is a lightly peated West Highlander with fresh citrus notes and an oiliness on the palate, plus a little briney, coastal character. Because its profile clocks the range of flavours found in single malt Scotch, it is in many ways quintessential. The 12 year old is the perfect introduction. The 2024 edition was matured in 70% Bourbon and 30% Sherry casks and bottled at their standard strength of 46% without chill filtration. Experience has shown that the best time to buy it is at the start of each allocation cycle while the opening prices hold. Global demand for this distillery is already catching up with Springbank.

Notes from the producers... Initially zesty with citrus notes of lemon cheesecake and an oiliness typical of a Campbeltown whisky. Peat smoke, leather bound books and peppery, spicy notes develop over time, along with sweet sticky toffee pudding. The peat smoke carries through to the finish in campfire embers, with sweet hints of pecan pie and butterscotch.