Up until this bottle, Campbeltown was the only scotch region I had never explored. Partly because it’s so small and the number of offerings so small compared to the other regions. Springbank’s bottles always seemed too pricey for my budget. When I found this online for $58, I jumped on it. And I’m definitely glad I did. Kilkerran is a recently revived distillery in Campbeltown. This twelve year old is their first “finished product” after having released a number of “works in progress” over the last few years. This whisky is a blend of 70% matured in ex-bourbon and 30% ex-sherry casks. It’s NCA and NCF and bottled at 46% ABV. It pours a pale gold in the glass and produces quick skinny legs with a few water droplets. The nose has strong barley, light smoke, brine, citrus/lemon rind. Water tames the slight bit of alcohol and adds a richer tone, like dark malt or honey. Compared to the Islay peat monsters of Laphroaig and Ardbeg this is muted, with just a light smoke and none of the phenols that characterize those drams. The palate is much more assertive than the nose. There’s light honey sweetness, hints of biscuity malt, and moderate smoke. Really nice, this is very well balanced. There is not much change with water. The finish is moderately long with rich smoke, pepper, and BBQ meats. This is where the 30% sherry finish makes an appearance with lingering hints of dark chocolate and fruits. Unfortunately even a small amount of water almost kills the finish. The finish is the best part of this whisky in my opinion. Skip the water, it really doesn’t need it. This is an excellent dram. Nicely balanced between sweetness and smoke and hints of sherry. At $58 this is a fantastic value. I would say this is reasonable up to about $70. Get it if you can. 4/5. Cheers!