Kilkerran 15 Years Old (Open Day 2019)
I fondly remember the earlier Work In Progress releases, then the release of the standard Kilkerran 12yo (which is a staple), quickly followed by some cask strength and single cask releases. But time has flown by, and now, just like that, there’s already a 15-year-old Kilkerran.
This edition was released for the Campbeltown Malts Festival 2019, and is one of the oldest Kilkerran released so far (there are two other 15-year-olds). Matured in first-fill bourbon, I’ve high expectations for it.
Kilkerran 15 Years Old (57.1%, OB, 630 bts.)
Nose: Oi, this is next level stuff. Great waxiness, subtle farminess and soft peat. Touches of honey, banana and nectarines, as well as just a bit of licorice, pine needles, and shoe polish. Superbly balanced.
Taste: Somewhat salty and savory, and there’s a little more discernable peat as well. Some licorice root chew sticks, a bit of cloves and pepper. Having a hard time picking up the subtle fruitiness I experienced on the nose. A hint of lemon curd maybe.
Finish: Lingering spices. Some chocolate. Earthy.
Score: 88
The nose started very promising, the palate was a bit more pedestrian, though overall this is a very rewarding and lovely Kilkerran. Although I suspect they can do even better!
Photo: Whiskybase
Thijs is a spirits writer and accredited liquorist from The Netherlands. He runs the blog Words of Whisky and contributes to a number of Dutch and international publications.
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