Whisky : Kilkerran 14 Year, 2020 Virtual Open Day

Country/Region : Scotland/Campbeltown

ABV : 57.8%

Cask : Refill Bourbon

Age : 14 Years (Bottled 2020)

Nose : Restrained with meat, malt, and sea. Caramelized brown sugar on barbecue meat with subtle salty mineral-laden ocean air, dried grass, and heather. Malty notes with a hint of honey and cinnamon brought to mind honey nut Cheerios. 

Palate : Medium-bodied with brown sugar, florals, and spice. Initially, there were notes of honey, oak, and doughy fried pastries. A thick blanket of spice covered the palate with celery seed, graham marsala, and coriander. The malty pastries reappeared on the backend with hints of rose water, sliced almonds, and cardamon. A bit of water brought out nutty, floral spices and creaminess at the end.

Finish :  Lingering honey and fried dough.

Score : 7

Mental Image : Rajasthani Pastry Cart

Notes : A triple distilled special release for Kilkerran’s 2020 Virtual Open Day, this bottle was fascinating and showcased a delicate floral spice and surprisingly malty side to the distillery. A jaunt through whiskybase reviews showed few other people hit on the exact floral spices as I did— most hit on tropical fruits that I did not find; however, the presence of a delicious malty backbone appeared frequently. Descriptors are a product of our life experience, so it is not surprising when different memories and impressions pop up— even if sometimes they are very different.

I found a fascinating mix of different flavor impressions and a good deal more depth than some of the heavily sherried bottles I have tried in the past. The nose was more subtle and restrained than I expected, while the palate was bolder with an initial punch of sweetness and spice that faded toward almonds, pastries, and more floral spice. It was almost a transition from savory to sweet while the impression of malt and dough remained constant.

Kilkerran produces some exception whisky, and it does not seem like the distillery will remain a hidden gem any longer. Overshadowed by its more prominent and more well-known Campbeltown neighbors, the little sibling has certainly grabbed more of the spotlight lately. The distillery’s association with Springbank, whose prices have become astronomical and availability constrained, has undoubtedly played a role as people seek out cheaper and more accessible bottles.

Image Credit: Whiskyauctioneer