Kilkerran Archives - Whisky a Day

Whisky #498: Kilkerran 12 Year Old Single Malt

September 24, 2017 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Kilkerran 12 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46%. Tasted at home, $99 (bottle).

Colour: A golden glow.

Nose: Like sticking your nose into a glass of creaming soda, some bubbles tickle your nostrils as you inhale some creamy, sweet aromas. A few soft, faint smokey notes too.

Palate: Sucking on a hard, buttery toffee. Freshly baked biscuits, the kind that are all buttery, still warm, soft and chewy as you take a bite, yet with the odd biscuit that has a touch of smokiness where the edge has been slightly overcooked. Ridiculously easy to sip.

Finish: The toffee cracks – creme brûlée, salted caramel, and an oaky smokiness on the tongue as the flavours slip away.

Comments: I’ve always said that it’s hard to be cheeky smart arse about a whisky you’re really enjoying. My somewhat serious tasting notes tell a story then.

When I first tried this Kilkerran 12, I wasn’t overly sold on it – there had been a lot of hype and expectation surrounding its release and I just couldn’t quite see what all the fuss was about. Fast forward a few months, and I’d almost finished the bottle – so I’d better review the damn thing! The surprising thing was how it really approaches you rather than the other way around – you’re reaching for a top-up because, a) with each sip you’re effortlessly sliding back like you’re reclining into a hammock, and b) it’s really damn tasty. Sweet, buttery and flavoursome, it really is almost food-like. Lots to enjoy here.

Whisky #259-261: Frank McHardy Masterclass at Whipper Snapper Distillery

October 11, 2014 by Whisky a Day Leave a Comment

Frank McHardy Masterclass at Whipper Snapper Distillery, $90.

The master distiller from Springbank, Frank McHardy, has been enlisted by our amazing local Whipper Snapper Distillery to act as their Chief Whiskey Advisor. Given Frank’s 50-odd years of experience at Springbank, it’s fair to say the Whipper Snapper boys could hardly have chosen a finer mentor. So it was a great privilege to be able to attend an intimate masterclass where Frank led us through a tasting of Springbank, Hazelburn and Kilkerran malts, along with some behind the scenes insights into whisky production at Springbank.

Whisky #259: Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46.0%.

Colour: Pale gold

Nose: Very faint hint of peat, subtle sweetness too.

Palate: A very clean, crisp flavour profile. Oily mouthfeel. Floral sweetness.

Finish: Gentle heat front half of palate that builds slightly, medium length. Salty vs sweet flavours battle it out, great balance.

Whisky #260: Hazelburn Rundlets & Kilderkins 10 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 50.1%.

Colour: Pale gold again.

Nose: Floral, vanilla notes. With time in the glass it really starts to develop some rich woody notes.

Palate: Rich, deep buttery raspberry flavours.

Finish: Softer finish than the Kilkerran. Dried fruit flavours linger long on the palate, as does the warmth again on the front half of the tongue.

Whisky #261: Springbank 15 Year Old Single Malt. Campbeltown, Scotland. ABV: 46.0%.

Colour: Deep rich gold.

Nose: Honey on hot buttered toast. Quite mild, not too intense.

Palate: Thicker syrupy mouthfeel compared to the Springbank 10. Not super sweet mind you, some subtle honey flavours along with some rich dried fruit flavours.

Finish: Buttery dried fruits, long tingle & flavour fade.

Overall comments: All three have spent some time maturing ex sherry casks, although I wouldn’t have picked it initially. No huge sherry bombs, the Springbank 15 in particular is quite subtle. The Hazelburn Rundlets & Kilderkins was the pick for me.

A fascinating afternoon listening to Frank talk about the history of Springbank and his own career. The guided tour of Whipper Snapper by chief distiller Jimmy McKeown was also fantastic, plus that gorgeous copper still of theirs (see below), wow. Hats off to the Whipper Snapper boys, these guys are really going places.

Whipper Snapper’s stunning still.

Whisky #38: Springbank Kilkerran, “New make” D/1494 sample

March 1, 2014 by Whisky a Day 2 Comments

Springbank Kilkerran, “New make” D/1494 sample. Unknown ABV. Campbeltown, Scotland. $0, free sample from Alan Anderson after his “Whisky for Dafties” show at the Perth Fringe.

Colour: Totally clear like water.

Nose: Not very nice, like sweaty socks. Strong alcohol fumes.

Palate: Spice, smoke and peat. Overpowering.

Finish: Plenty of heat that sticks around like a nasty Estonian vodka.

Comments: Unrefined, brutal. Not pleasant to drink I’m afraid. It was even less pleasant last night when after brushing my teeth & climbing into bed, I grabbed a water bottle and took a drink, only to realise that the bottle contained my Kilkerran sample given to me on Friday night by Alan Anderson after his comedy show. Toothpaste and whisky do NOT mix. I can only hope that being in a soft plastic water bottle for 48 hours may have somehow affected the whisky. Should have tried it on Friday straight after the show, though to be fair I had possibly already had more than enough that night. I don’t even remember getting home!

Overall, this is the first entry into the “Truly Awful” whisky category of the project so far. Sorry Alan, but thanks all the same for your generous gesture. All the best for the rest of your tour!