Description

Kilkerran Aged 16 Years Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 2024 Release (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 46%           Age: 16 Years Old        Country: Scotland

*1 Bottle Per Customer per Delivery Address.

For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Kilkerran 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an annual highlight from Campbeltown’s revered Glengyle Distillery. This much anticipated release consistently showcases the distillery’s growing maturity and their distinctive take on the classic Campbeltown character.

The Kilkerran 16 Year Old is a testament to Glengyle’s commitment to quality and patient maturation. Bottled at a very approachable 46% alc/vol, and as always, non-chill filtered and natural in colour, it offers a beautifully balanced and nuanced drinking experience. While the specific cask breakdown can vary slightly with each annual release, this 2024 edition, for example, was matured in a sophisticated combination of 70% Bourbon, 20% Sherry, and 10% Rum casks. This thoughtful marriage of wood types ensures a complex flavour profile that evolves beautifully on the palate.

Here’s what makes the Kilkerran 16 Year Old 2024 Release so special:

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Expect a delightful array of aromas that are classic Kilkerran, but with an added depth from the age. Look for bright citrus notes like lemon and orange, intertwined with a gentle maritime character and subtle light smoke. You might also find hints of fruits (pineapple, cherry, mango), honey, vanilla, and a lovely malty cereal note. It’s fresh, inviting, and wonderfully complex.

Palate: On the palate, that signature oily, waxy texture of Kilkerran shines through. The fruits from the nose carry over, with tropical notes often prominent, alongside creamy vanilla, golden syrup, and even a touch of coconut. There’s a delicate sweetness balanced by a pleasant minerality and subtle spice, perhaps a hint of ginger or white pepper. The gentle smoke that underpins much of Kilkerran’s spirit becomes beautifully integrated, enhancing rather than overpowering the other flavours.

Finish: The finish is typically long, satisfying, and refined. The light smoke lingers, complemented by a continuing mineral note, a touch of oak, and often a pleasant dryness. Some might even detect a hint of cherry menthol or liquorice, adding to its intriguing complexity.

The Kilkerran 16 Year Old has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Glengyle Distillery’s range, sitting alongside the 12 Year Old and the Heavily Peated releases. It’s lauded for its consistency and for offering a more mature, rounded expression of the unique Campbeltown style – a harmonious blend of fruit, coastal influence, and a restrained smokiness.

Given its annual limited release and the loyal following it commands, the Kilkerran 16 Year Old is always a highly sought-after bottling. It’s a superb example of well-aged Campbeltown whisky and a must-try for anyone who appreciates a refined, characterful single malt. Don’t miss your chance to add this exceptional dram to your collection!

About The Distillery

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.