Origin: Campbeltown (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 57.9%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd.
Average price: € 60.00
Official website: kilkerran.scot
It’s been almost three years since Campbeltown’s third distillery was missing from these pages, and since the last taste in this series we’ve jumped eight bottlings to arrive at the late 2024 release.
A semiannual series which, as the name suggests, features Glengyle’s malt with a stronger than normal peated level, around 45ppm, with variable maturation in which ex-Bourbon casks almost always take centre stage.
This second release of 2024 saw maturation of an unspecified length of 90% in ex-bourbon casks and 10% in ex-sherry, as always at cask strength and at a very competitive price. The progressive Batch number is indicated on the back of the bottle.
Tasting Notes
Clearly acidulous nose, in which the citric part dominates the aromas in shades of lime, both in juice and jelly, accompanied by a not inconsiderable contribution of red fruits (currants, raspberries), kiwi, pineapple and pink grapefruit. Arboreal smoke, of burnt brushwood and roasted juniper, incisive but not overpowering, whose acrid tones are well matched by the fruity impressions. In the background, liquorice root, sugar paste, lemon tart, burnt scones. Over time, it tends to soften, smoothing out the acidity.
Pungent on the palate, handfuls of black pepper with ginger, cardamom and cumin with copious waves of forest bonfire smoke, crackling wood over which marshmallows and herbs (thyme, marjoram) sizzle. The acidic (citrusy) side drops considerably in favour of more accommodating impressions of baked apple, sweet liquorice, custard, salted caramel, toasted pecans, chestnut honey. Tobacco, black tea and roasted coffee. Very pronounced saline tips along the length, where the acidity of the nose returns with a distinct dryness.
Quite long finish of burnt wood, dull cigar, salt, black pepper, citrus, tobacco, coffee.
The personality of Glengyle stands out between nose and palate, with a greater integration in the drink that entertains and amuses, with that mixture of acidity and salt that pushes the sip dangerously. A well-crafted peated malt with a well-centred gravity.
Vote: 87/100