Kilkerran 8 Years Old Sherry Cask Strength Batch 9 57.5% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (88)

A Rich and Intense Single Malt

Glengyle Distillery unveils an exquisite addition to its range with the Kilkerran 8 Years Old Sherry Cask Strength Batch 9. Distilled at Glengyle Distillery and bottled on January 24, 2023, this remarkable expression showcases the richness and intensity of a sherry cask-matured single malt. With a robust ABV of 57.5%, this whisky promises a flavor-packed and captivating experience. Join us as we delve into the story behind this exceptional release.

A Journey of Richness:
The Kilkerran 8 Years Old Sherry Cask Strength Batch 9 represents a journey of maturation and flavor development. Distilled at Glengyle Distillery, this single malt has spent eight years maturing in carefully selected sherry casks. During this time, the whisky has absorbed the rich flavors and characteristics of the casks, resulting in a complex and indulgent profile that reflects the craftsmanship of the distillery.

Intense Sherry Cask Strength:
With an impressive ABV of 57.5%, this cask strength expression delivers a powerful and immersive experience. The higher alcohol content allows the whisky to showcase its full range of flavors and aromas with intensity. On the nose, expect enticing notes of dried fruits, rich chocolate, and warm spices. The palate offers a symphony of flavors, including dried figs, caramelized nuts, dark chocolate, and a hint of oak, all complemented by the deep richness that sherry casks provide. The long and satisfying finish leaves a lasting impression of dried fruits 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 Sherry Cask Strength Batch 9 embodies that dedication. From the careful selection of sherry casks to the meticulous maturation process, every aspect of creating this whisky showcases the craftsmanship and quality of the distillery.

Limited Edition Appeal:
As a limited edition release, the Kilkerran 8 Years Old Sherry Cask Strength Batch 9 holds a special place in the hearts of whisky enthusiasts and collectors. The combination of its age statement, sherry cask maturation, and high ABV makes it a highly 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 Sherry Cask Strength Batch 9, distilled at Glengyle Distillery and bottled on January 24, 2023, is a testament to the richness and intensity of a sherry cask-matured single malt. With its carefully crafted flavors, powerful ABV, and limited edition status, it offers whisky enthusiasts a captivating and indulgent journey. Whether enjoyed neat or with a splash of water, this exceptional release invites you to explore the depths of Kilkerran's rich and intense world of single malt whisky.

Whisky Notes (84)

Nose: not what I expected. Earthy notes and plenty of grainy touches. Dusty wheat especially. A little cardboard, or at least dusty books. Then funny hints of cucumber water with slices of lemon inside. After a while it gets more classic, with hints of plums as well as Darjeeling tea, cinnamon and some berries. A bit akward?

Mouth: again a little funny. Heat comes out, with lots of pepper and burnt rubber. Then salty notes, herbs and drops of motor oil. Lacking the richness that I associate with sherry casks. Instead there are sour berries and some cold coffee. Then pipe tobacco and peat smoke, as well as a bitter edge.

Finish: quite long, still balancing a citrusy sourness with tobacco, matchstick heads and peppery marmalade.

Fascinating perhaps, but that doesn’t mean it’s convincing. Regardless of the cask type, they’re far apart in my opinion, making it hard to recommend this sherry version. It has a difficult personality and a weaker body, on a lower level than last year’s sherry cask.

Malt Fascination (88)

Sniff:
This starts off very funky with massive amounts of leather and dates. Engine oil, olive oil too. Quite a funky one indeed. There’s some wood, raisins and plums, dark dried fruit.

Sip:
The palate has some hot chili peppers on arrival, with some sharp oaky notes. There’s dark dried fruits, but also some mint. It’s not all dark notes. Leather, oil, raisins, twigs.

Swallow:
The finish is largely similar to the nose but starts with a bit of an afterburner. It mellows quickly and has notes of oak and a hint of coastal salinity. Otherwise there’s a puree of plums, dates and raisins.

This is a very typical whisky from Springbank’s distilling regime, even though it’s from the neighbouring distillery. You notice that they’re doing virtually the same thing in both places. The oily notes are great and thoroughly enjoyable, especially since it’s not only that but the dark fruity notes are huge too. This is big stuff.