SolanaRoots
Kilkerran 12 Year
Single Malt — Campbeltown, Scotland
Reviewed
March 22, 2019 (edited January 28, 2021)
Another Campbeltown classic. A cousin to Springbank, the Kilkerran 12 Year is and has everything I want in a whisky: a revived distillery rooted in old school practices, non-chill filtered, no color added, fairway ABV, peat, smoke, salt, coastal air. The list of accolades goes on endlessly.
The nose hits with peat first, followed by briny, pickled fruit mixed with malt. But that’s just the smells that are pronounced this time. The last pour was slightly different and the next pour will reveal something unique and different again. It’s all smoky lemon rinds & subtle bitterness on the palate. Complex & intriguing throughout the entire bottle.
Rating: I’m backing the Distiller score of 92. Maybe even 1-2pts higher. At a mid $60s price point, this is a showcase scotch for any whisky shelf. Sophisticated enough for special occasions but works equally well as a leisurely everyday pour. Own this bottle. Cheers
68.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@SolanaRoots yeah 😊. Now...if I can only find it...
@PBMichiganWolverine Haven’t noticed that one on shelves out here. Did you happen to snag a bottle?
@SolanaRoots they had recently a 8yr full sherry matured cask strength come out, which sold out in hours.
I’ve seen some shouts for personal ‘whisky of the year’ so thought I’d serve up mine as well. Only criteria was I had to have a bottle of it open at some point during the calendar year. This Kilkerran 12 is special
@SolanaRoots sorry I’m replying late. Yes, really solid. I think I like Glen Scotia 15 a touch better but this is great.
@deuce26 Did you ever crack open your bottle? If so, I’m sure you’re thoroughly enjoying
Just finishing this bottle off after 10 months and it’s truly deserving of all the rave reviews. One of the all-time greats in my book
@PBMichiganWolverine great to know. I love SB 15 but it’s 100 a bottle where I am. Glen Scotia 15 and this one are much more affordable.
@SolanaRoots glad to hear that. I thought Islay was great. Campbeltown is off the charts.
@deuce26 Nice. This bottle has that same epic Cambeltown character as the others. I’m guessing you’ll be a huge fan of this one too
@deuce26 this was really well made, and attractively priced.
I have a bottle of this I’m waiting to open. I’ve just discovered Springbank 15 and Glen Scotia 15 and they are beyond fabulous. Any wait to try this one.
Side note: had this bottle opened at the same time as a Springbank 10 bottle for 4-5 months so spent plenty of time comparing pours of the two. Both are incredible and while the Kilkerran 12 would appeal to a wider audience, my preference leans towards the Springbank 10. It’s a bit rougher around the edges, but that appeals for some reason.
@SolanaRoots Great review for a great malt.
@SolanaRoots - it’s true! Everything I write needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Compass Box is another bias. I need to be harder on them. :)
@SolanaRoots yeah even at $70, it’s worth it. They came out with a heavily peated one, which sounds interesting
@PBMichiganWolverine It’s not necessarily widely available in my area so i paid just under $70 since I was eager to have a bottle. Have subsequently seen it for $60. Either way, completely worth it
@Rick_M Sounds amazing. I’m sure if it wasn’t for your Islay bias, this & the Springbank 15 Yr would be 5 stars in that setting :)
I remember loving this one sufficiently enough to buy another immediately. And that time, it was about $60. Not sure if it’s still the same price.
@SolanaRoots - drank this one overlooking Campbeltown Loch. Added a little something to the flavor. Easily 4 stars. :)