Kilkerran 8 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 8 55.8% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (88)

A Bold and Spirited Expression

Glengyle Distillery introduces an exciting addition to their range with the Kilkerran 8 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 8. Distilled at Glengyle Distillery and bottled on 28th November 2022, this remarkable expression showcases the vibrancy and intensity of a youthful single malt. With a robust ABV of 55.8% and maturation in bourbon casks, this whisky promises a bold and spirited experience. Join us as we delve into the story of this exceptional release.

A Spirited Journey:
The Kilkerran 8 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 8 represents a journey of maturation and development. Distilled at Glengyle Distillery, this single malt has spent eight years maturing in carefully selected bourbon casks. During this time, the whisky has absorbed the rich flavors and characteristics of the casks, resulting in a complex and dynamic profile that showcases the distillery's craftsmanship.

Cask Strength Intensity:
With an impressive ABV of 55.8%, this cask strength expression packs a punch. The higher alcohol content allows the whisky to express its full range of flavors and aromas with intensity. On the nose, expect notes of vanilla, honey, and a subtle hint of oak. The palate delivers a burst of flavors, including ripe fruits, caramel, and a touch of spice, complemented by the warmth and depth provided by the bourbon cask maturation. The long and satisfying finish leaves a lingering impression of oak and a gentle warmth.

Craftsmanship and Quality:
Glengyle Distillery is renowned for its commitment to traditional whisky production methods, and the Kilkerran 8 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 8 exemplifies this dedication. From the careful selection of bourbon casks to the meticulous aging process, every aspect of crafting this whisky showcases the distillery's craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

Limited Edition Appeal:
As a limited edition release, the Kilkerran 8 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 8 holds a special place in the hearts of whisky enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique combination of youthful vibrancy and cask strength intensity makes it a sought-after expression among whisky connoisseurs. Each bottle represents a moment in time, captured and preserved for those fortunate enough to experience its exceptional character.

Conclusion:
The Kilkerran 8 Years Old Cask Strength Batch 8, distilled at Glengyle Distillery and bottled on 28th November 2022, is a testament to the distillery's craftsmanship and dedication to producing bold and spirited whiskies. With its high ABV and maturation in bourbon casks, it offers a robust and complex flavor profile that will captivate whisky enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed neat or with a splash of water, this limited edition release invites you to experience the vibrant and dynamic world of Kilkerran single malt whisky.

Whisky Notes (89)

Nose: very chalky with a firm salty side. A lot of dusty grains come out, which is lovely. Then gentle horse stable aromas, motor oil and new Chamois leather. Earthy notes too, as well as some hardwood polish, lemon peels and pebbles on a beach. Dried grass and a soft sooty note in the background too. Funky but absolutely spot on.

Mouth: bursting with character again. Sweet dough, barley and yellow apples. Then it becomes chalky and mineral again, with that salty note, drie herbs and a puff of peat smoke. Also hints of cardboard, which blend in nicely. Heather, more engine oil and hints of grapefruit towards the end. Pepper too.

Finish: really long and earthy, on chalk, grapefruits, green tea and salt.

A lovely drop. Even though it has a few youngish notes and complexity on the palate isn’t huge, it delivers all the Campbeltown funk and then some. A great quirky profile and bourbon casks really make the spirit shine. Still available in a few smaller shops.

Malt Fascination (87)

Sniff:
Very coastal with lots of basalt and granite. But, also, lots of coconut. There’s crisp barley, marram grass and sand.

Sip:
The palate arrives gently, but builds up to a chili heat quite quickly. Not a lot of oak, but there is barley, some Campbeltown funkiness, coconut husks, slightly oily.

Swallow:
A massive finish. Slightly less crisp, with more bread like notes. Still very coastal, but the coast with an oil rig close by. So it’s oily, with grainy notes, some oak, a slightly twig like bitterness too.

While I expected to love this one more than the sherry cask, I didn’t. It’s seriously good whisky, but it is slightly lacking in complexity, compared to others like the 12 year old, or in this case, the sherry cask.