Kilkerran 12 Year

The Bottle: "Medieval Minimalism" is how I would describe this one. Very simple clear glass with a label that styles itself in what I can only describe as a gothic fashion. It's direct and very readable, but it comes off as the kind of label that you would have found in Johannes Gutenberg's office. In the Glass: Light straw. Seeing as how this is very much a non-chill filtered and natural color spirit, what you see is pure, unadulterated whisky... as nature intended. On the Nose: This is where we really start to see the connection to Springbank, Glengyle's sister distillery. We get that same powerful, savory nose that seems to define the house style for the region. There's a light citrus in there with a touch of barley sugar sweetness hanging around in the back. All very well integrated, all very pleasing. This is not the nose of your grandfather's budget blend, this is the nose of a whisky that wants you to know how well it's been made. Taste: A mostly savory arrival that takes a couple of seconds before the development really kicks in with the barley sweetness. Bitter, sour and sweet all kind of rolled into one. For me, the flavor follows the nose quite well; though it is sweeter than the nose would initially suggest. The finish is a touch bitter with an astringency that hangs about the tongue in a pleasant way. The best way that I can describe the finish is like that of a savory citrus rind. I know that sounds a little ridiculous, but there's this "thing" going for this whisky that I'm having a hard time finding the right words for. You really will get more and more out of, the more you go back to it. I find the Kilkerran 12 to be a very well-made and distinctive single malt that is doing a great job of helping to define what it means to be a Campbeltown whisky. It dispenses with flash, pomp and bluster; instead focusing on boatloads of flavor and a natural presentation. I haven't tried any of the earlier "Work in Progress" bottlings, but now that I've seen what the 12 has to say for itself, I just might.

Rich, fruity, floral, earthy peat, spicy, candle was, vanilla, melon, hints of hibiscus

Whoa, an almost Talisker doppelgänger! A touch of water's Scotch mist reveals omission of chill-filtration. Very sunny yellow-gold color, hopefully without added color. Extra points: 46% abv. The nose opens with a pall of rich woody smoke hanging over Mossy coastal forest. Baked apples, stewed pears and apricot notes peek out. Full, oily mouthfeel on the palate, sweet and malty with orange marmalade, apricot preserves and a pleasant floral soapiness that accumulates. Finish is very long, starting with a rush of clove and spicy ginger before retreating into smoldering oak. Salutations due to our hellacious Pranay for the sample! I'll be seeking a fifth... Dry glass: sweet buttery malt.

Honey and light peat smoke on the nose. Touch of salt and pears on the palate. Great mouthful, with a sweet and peppery long finish. Delicious and rare gem of a dram.

A fantastic whisky with different tasting notes as it morphs slowly in the bottle week by week.