Review #55&56: Kilkerran 12 & Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Bourbon

Kilkerran is the label for the new Glengyle distillery. They reopened in 2004 and release a 12, an 8 CS and an annual release "Work in Progress" with separate Sherry and Bourbon barrelings.

Thank you u/Nats_Fan for the samples

Kilkerran 12

Campbeltown - 12 Years - NCF - NCA- Sample ($70 at the local) - 46%

Color - Yellow Gold

Nose - Vanilla, meringues, sugared peaches, thought I caught a floral note but it was fleeting

Taste - Tight at first, citrus, leather, ginger

Finish - Medium - A little hot for the ABV, vanilla cream, hints of key lime and subtle clean smoke

Overall - 6 - Like the other Campbeltown expressions I have had, I don't get a ton of peat. It was a wood forward expression, has some lactic notes but not enough to overwhelm the finish. It was some of the tightest scotch on the palate and did take some opening up. When it did open, it was a nice dram. It was like a Laddie with the lactic turned down and a hint of smoke. I liked it but I wouldn't rush out to buy a bottle.

u/nzTman here is #55 since you asked ;)

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Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Bourbon

Campbeltown- NAS - NCF - NCA - Sample ($70 at the local) - 54.1%

Color - Amber

Nose - Green apples, vanilla meringues, honey, toffee

Taste - Buttersctoch, apple, vanilla, hints of raw oak

Finish - Medium short - Creme caramel, vanilla, some sort of brine that I can't put my finger on with a touch of smoke

Overall - 6 - This is an interesting SbS compared to the 12. Both of these were lovely to nose. The palate was more open and inviting and the mouthfeel was much bigger (no surprise with an 8 point bump in ABV.) Both are very wood driven but do a good job showcasing it. I think if push came to shove I would take the 12 over the WIP because of the finish. I would be curious to check out a 12 of theirs at cask strength as that sounds quite enjoyable.

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.0

Standard Deviation 0.92

Skew 0.66

Kurtosis -0.209877129

Cambeltown 6.2 (6)