Kilkerran 8 & Cadenheads Kilkerran 12 (57.8%)

Kilkerran 8 year old (Batch 4)

Region: Campbeltown

ABV: 57.1%

Price: £50

The fourth edition of Kilkerran 8 year old was matured in re-charred oloroso sherry casks, and bottled at 57.1%.

Nose

There’s an initial hit of bacon, sultanas and sugar syrup. Behind these notes there’s also some yeast, and a lot of tropical notes such as pineapple, and kiwi. There’s smoke here, but it’s sitting in the background.

Palate

Lots of ash and smoke, mixed with toffee, pineapple, raisins, ginger, and lashings of hot chocolate. Trying after a little air we’re also getting some mango and well roasted espresso.

Nose (with water)

With water there’s more toffee with the expected and loved Campbeltown funk now very noticeable. We’re also getting a little salt, and prunes. Finally, there’s also a hint of cranberries in the background.

Palate (with water)

Water has mellowed the ash and smoke. In addition to the previous notes mentioned we’re now getting a generous amount of brandy. Along with it there’s more dried fruits such as raisins and a little oak. Medium length finish.

Conclusion

This is delicious, and when it was released it was more than worth the price. If you were lucky enough to nab a bottle we recommend you crack it open now. If you weren’t able to get one we’d say save your pennies as it’s not worth the current auction prices of around £150.

Score: 8.5/10

Cadenheads Kilkerran 12 (57.8%)

Region: Campbeltown

ABV: 57.8%

Price: £70

This 12 year old was matured in a sherry hogshead, and bottled at 57.8% as part of the Cadenheads Authentic Collection.

Nose

Opens with notes of smoked brisket and Mexican mole sauce. Nosing it again we’re getting burnt wood we’ve found in a forest after a fire. Make that wet burnt wood. There’s also some fruit here, but it’s very muted and overpowered by the smoke. Nosing this is like you’re standing in front of a row of freshly charred casks in a cooperage.

Palate

Initially some dark chocolate gelato, and pepper on the tongue. Like the nose there’s also some muted fruit - think rhubarb and cherries soaked in syrup. Maybe with some crumbly biscuits on top. A lingering smoke note in the background.

Nose (with water)

We don’t notice a great deal of difference with water, the smoke mellows a little, and some of the meatier ham/beef notes become more noticeable. This is now more of a back garden BBQ than a forest fire.

Palate (with water)

With water the sweet red fruits burst out, along with some sugar syrup, and prunes. Quite a short finish with a little spice that dissipates quicker than we’d like.

Conclusion

It’s nice, and there’s a good balance between sherry, smoke and spirit. Good for the RRP, but auction prices are probably asking a little too much. Out of the two we’re give the edge to the 8yo, but you wouldn’t be disappointed by either.

Score: 8/10

• 10 - Perfection. A whisky that we’ll remember forever.
• 9 - Amazing. We’d pay through the nose for a bottle.
• 8 - Great. Pick this up at RRP.
• 7 - Good. Happy to have a dram or two but wouldn’t buy a bottle.
• 6 - Passable. Would accept a dram, but wouldn’t seek it out.
• 5 - Poor. Would drink if it was the only option.
• 4 - Bad. Maybe it can be saved by ginger beer?
• 3 - Awful. It can't be saved by ginger beer.
• 2 - Pour it out
• 1 - We’ve never tried a whisky rated this low and hopefully never will.

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