Kilkerran 8 Sherry Cask (2023) - 57.5%

This 2023 edition was matured exclusively in Sherry casks for 8 years before being bottled at a cask strength of 57.5%

Tasting notes: 

Appearance: Copper gold, forms a thin line, beads hold for a long time before falling as very slow, oily legs.

Nose: Light medicinal peat, coastal saltiness, orchard fruit, rich dried fruit, a touch of charred lemon and a whiff of struck match.

Palate: California raisins, dates, dried figs, dark chocolate fruit and nut bars, a large hit of ginger spice, cinnamon, light peat, tobacco and a subtle hint of struck match. Becomes creamier with a few drops of water, more fruit and sweetness develop together with more of the sulphur note.

Finish: Ginger and cinnamon spice, mild smoke follows.

Summary: For me, this is a significant upgrade on the 2023 Bourbon cask. The rich, dried fruit sherry notes are abundant and well balanced with the smoke and coastal salt typical of the region, although the struck match note won’t suit everyone. 

These annual cask strength releases are highly sought after but that also comes with high expectations. Whilst this one for me doesn’t quite live up to the hype for me, a retail price of around the £60 mark makes it decent value for money and worth seeking out.

Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.