Kilkerran 12 Year

Well a little disappointing so far. My bottle has now been opened for 10 weeks now, 1 inch below neck pour, and tasting again as I write this review. Harsh alcohol burn with some funky flavors. Altogether my feeling is = Meh! I'll check in another month to see if things have toned down and mellowed out from oxidation.

Smoked ham and preserve... It gets sweeter with water, and turns it into something like a salty and smokier Oban 14. There is a minimal presence of Campeltown funk, but my mind re-imagines it as the salty aspect of the ham. For me, this was the first peated scotch where the nose and palate weren't completely obscured by smoke. It was also the whisky that introduced me to a savory, meaty flavor profile. Even though my mind's been made up in regard to Campbeltown funk [I don't enjoy it], this Campbeltown scotch opened the gates for me: to the Islands, Islay, and to peated scotches in general. I give credit where credit is due. But yes, after this discovery I felt like the keys to Hades had been handed over to me by the boatman of the dead. And, oh boy, the lord of the underworld had better hide his liquor. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."

This is delicious. The trademark campbeltown mustiness hits the nose and the palate right away. Oily and viscous mouthfeel. Aftertaste of smoked bbq. Dry citrus peels and brine complete the flavor bouquet. I’m interested in the 8yr cask strength after this but I’d definitely buy again. This is like a poor man’s springbank. Lots of similarities to the SB 10yr but cheaper if not widely available. A splash of Water opens up the sweeter elements and mellows and extends the finish. Pepper notes more distinguishable from the heat of the 46%.

Meh