Kilkerran Aged 8 Years Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 2021 Release (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 56.9%           Age: 8 Years Old          Country: Scotland

William Mitchell was the son of Archibald Mitchell, the founder of nearby Springbank Distillery. In the second half of the 1800s William ran Springbank Distillery in a partnership with his brother John, while the other brothers and sister were active running the old Rieclachan Distillery across the town. Glengyle distillery was founded by William Mitchell in 1872 and he ran the distillery as a sole proprietor. Like the majority of Campbeltown distilleries, Glengyle suffered greatly during the economic downturn at the beginning of the 20th century. In November 2000, 75 years after Glengyle had last produced spirit, it was announced that the buildings had been bought by a new company, Mitchell’s Glengyle Limited, headed by Mr Hedley Wright, chairman of J&A Mitchell and Co Ltd, and great-great nephew of William Mitchell, original founder of Glengyle.

Why name the whisky Kilkerran? Kilkerran is the name that was chosen for the single malt produced at Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery, there are two reasons for this. Firstly, because the name Glengyle is already used for a blended Highland malt and Mitchell’s Glengyle Ltd were not able to purchase the rights to use that name. They also wished to avoid any possible confusion between the newest single malt to come from the Campbeltown region and a pre-existing blended Highland malt.

Secondly, and more importantly, Mitchell’s Glengyle Ltd are very proud to be continuing and adding to the great Campbeltown Distilling tradition and the choice of name reflects that. Kilkerran is derived from the Gaelic ‘Ceann Loch Cille Chiarain’ which is the name of the original settlement where Saint Kerran had his religious cell and where Campbeltown now stands. Kilkerran is thought to be a suitable name for a new Campbeltown malt since it was unusual for the old Campbeltown distilleries to be called after a Glen, a custom more usually associated with the Speyside region.

This is the Kilkerran (Glengyle) is matured in 100% first fill oloroso Sherry casks for no less than 8 years. Bottled January 12, 2021 as batch 5 in the cask strength series of whiskies from this Campbeltown Distillery. The whiskit was bottled at 56.9% ABV and has not been chillfiltered and no colour added.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Burnt orange peel, delicatessen meats, espresso and baking spices.

Palate: Orange cake with dark caramel and cinnamon spice, candied ginger and wafts of smoke and barrel char.

Finish: Dried dark fruits, charred oak and subtle peat smoke.