Kilkerran 8 Port Cask (2022) - 57.9%

From the Kilkerran website

Kilkerran Single Malt is produced at the historic Campbeltown distillery, Glengyle, originally founded by the Mitchell family and owned by the J&A Mitchell group since its re-build and resumption of production in 2004. 

Part of our limited core range, our Kilkerran 8 year old cask strength is released annually, either as a one or two part release. Previous releases have included full maturations in Bourbon, Port and Sherry, with the latest releases fully matured in Bourbon.

This example was from the 2022 batch release 

Tasting notes

Appearance: Tawny gold in colour, forms a thin line which beads before falling as thick legs

Nose: Mixed red berry jam, stewed plums, smoked meats, tobacco leaf, dunnage warehouse floors, garage mechanics oily rags and a hint of struck match

Palate: Medium bodied with a touch of waxiness. Forest fruit compote, ripe plums, tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, slightly tannic oak, coastal brine, chilli and cracked black pepper heat. Water brings a little more creaminess together with a touch of tannic oak

Finish: Long, lingering and spicy warming. The fruit notes dissipate to leave bonfire ash, a touch of bitter Angelica, mildly astringent oak, maritime saltiness and chilli heat. Water brings down a little of the heat and allows the soft smoke and salt to make more of an impact

Summary: It’s a decent enough whisky but let down a little by the harshness of the youthful spirit. The fruit notes take the starring role here, pushing the smoke into the background. For me I’d have liked more of that dirty oily smoke character to come through at the expense of some of that chilli heat.

Originally priced at around £50, which seems like pretty good value at the time. Nowadays, it’s only likely to be found on the secondary market.

If you would like more information on this whisky, Glengyle distillery, or any of the other Kilkerran whiskies, follow the link to the company website.