Origin: Campbeltown (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 41.8%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Port
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd.
Average price: € 180.00
Official website: kilkerran.scot
Vote: 89/100
Production, at Glengyle, began in March 2004, and in these fifteen years Kilkerran (the name under which the single malt is bottled, given that in the meantime Glengyle, as a brand, had already been registered for a blended Loch Lomond) has been able to earn an important place in the hearts of enthusiasts.
Distributed in the beginning as a work in progress in limited editions, almost always of 9,000 examples, this whisky saw its first official bottling in 2016, with a 12yo made using 70% ex-Bourbon casks and 30% ex-Sherry casks.
The distillery’s 15th anniversary was celebrated by assigning the exclusive sale of several single casks, all aged 15 years but in different casks, to different international distributors.
The Italian Beija-Flor was entrusted with this Port Wood Limited Edition, with 10 years spent in an ex-Port cask (number 383-3, to be precise) and, subsequently, 5 in an ex-Bourbon one. Bottled at 51.8% ABV, with no additional colouring or chillfiltration, in just 144 examples, it was released last September 2019.
Tasting notes
To the eye, it’s a very inviting caramel colour with pink reflections.
The nose is incredibly rich, with fruity notes of orange and figs, and later even a whisper of coconut, which are accompanied, in a perfect marriage of love, by spicy hints of nutmeg and cloves. On a substratum of vanilla and marzipan, with candied inserts, an aroma of brown sugar takes shape over time, almost suggesting rum.
On the palate, the citrus note becomes more specific: yellow squeezed orange. Together, more spices, with an extra puff of cinnamon, and a delicate, soft vanilla.
The medium-long finish, on orange notes, is distinguished by a persuasive grace.
Given its scarce availability and not-so-cheap price, this is a doubly precious whisky, to be enjoyed little by little and kept in a safe. An exceptional limited edition, in which drinking becomes a privilege.