Glengyne distillery in Campbeltown released a cask strength version of its single malt in April 2017, bottled at 8 years of age and eagerly awaited.
We’re trying the latest (third) batch, bottled in 2018 at 56.5% ABV.
Kilkerran 8 yo Cask Strength
(56,5%, OB 2018, 9000 btl.)
Nose: gentle sweet smoke, with lots of mineral notes, wet chalk, gravel and earth. Sooty notes and light diesel. A slight sourness of lemon and green apple. More orchard fruits (peach, rhubarb) after a while, as well as vanilla, honey, spearmint, orange oils and hints of biscuits. Young but spot on.
Mouth: a very big presence, again with this wonderful sharpness (minerals, grapefruits, earthy peat) but also bright round elements, like vanilla, peaches and lime. Plenty of malty notes. A nice oily, waxy side too. Rich spices (pepper), honey and a salty twist.
Finish: long, peaty, with walnuts, liquorice
Quite fiery, but also very focused and lots of fun. Slightly old-fashioned too, just great. This belongs on the shelf that has Benromach 10 and Ben Nevis 10 in terms of style and value for money. Must-have whisky. Still in stock at The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt.
Score: 89/100