Kilkerran 12 Year

Exceptional 12 year. Five stars, marked within its class. Nothing to add that hasn’t already been said, though I will say that a month or so in the opened bottle has helped this one tremendously.

This is probably the most interesting whisky I've had so far, and hopefully, I probably don't say that too often. At first, I expected this to be not too atypical from something like as lightly-peated Highland single malt on the nose with some briskety peat on the first whiff of this whisky. Then I noticed that it was pronounced, but then I noticed there were grassy and herbal notes to this peatiness. It didn't take long for me to pick up apples, pear, honey, sugary frosted cake - like a red velvet - and milk that has developed some sweetness halfway towards its expiration date. It's a milky, full bodied whisky from start to finish tasting like apples, pears, and honey after an initial jab of smoked brisket, ending in green apples (skin and flesh) with a delightful malty sweetness that comes off as fruity and cakey, and a tanginess somewhat reminiscent of blue cheese.

Great whisky.

This bottle hits many marks for me. The presentation is simple and effective, essentially putting the limelight on the straw-colored liquid within. Speaking of which, it is bottled at 46% ABV, which is a definite plus. It is also uncolored and unchillfiltered, so what you see is what you get. What's not to love? Nose: Ocean spray and smoke, I also smell the spirit itself, nice and malty. Mouthfeel: Rather oily. Mouthwatering too! Palate: Salty and smoky at first. As if I licked a dried rock on the seashore. There is also a minerality that comes with that. A floral sweetness arrives next, reminiscent of wildflower honey. I also taste a bit of pear...perhaps apple too. This sweetness is tempered with an acidic quality, a good amount of lemon. There's a bit of vanilla underneath, and oak spice throughout. Then the influence of the sherry casks arrives at the end, with hints of darker fruits and faint chocolate. Finish: Medium-long This is an exceptionally tasty and complex dram. The twelve years of maturation really show! It's well balanced, without being dull or ''smooth''. In fact, I like how it's rather aggressive. The spirit, smoke, and salt dominate, all while letting the rest shine through. It's not the most common bottle (at least where I'm from), so grab it if you can!

I tried a Kilkerran at a Cambletown tasting a while back before I started note taking. I think it was a progress statement. Springbank Green, 18, Hazelburn 12 and others turned up and although I didn't keep notes I did keep ratings and there were a lot of 4's. The Kilkerran wasn't one of them... people raved but I didn't. Fast forward a few years and has my opinion changed? Sweet citrus peat, vanilla maritime flavours a bit like Glenglassaugh Tofa but more character. I like it. It isn't the usual peated whisky I go for but it stays out of the lemony/acidic peat territory nicely. Best on the night just pipping the Adelphi Private Stock (but that is nearly half the price). I'm converted! I reckon 3.75 - 4. It's a bottle I'd like to work my way through at leisure.