Description

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Batch 12 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 58.4%           Age: No Age Statement         Country: Scotland

The Whisky

The Kilkerran Heavily Peated (Batch 12) is a powerhouse of  flavour, marking a bold evolution in the “Peat in Progress” series from Glengyle. Released in 2025 and bottled at a formidable cask strength of 58.4% alc/vol, this batch is a masterclass in balance. While it carries a heavy phenol count of approximately 45 PPM, the peat is expertly “folded” into the spirit rather than sitting on top of it. This specific bottling features a marriage of 90% ex-Bourbon and 10% ex-Sherry casks, a ratio chosen to highlight the vibrant, oily distillate while adding just a touch of dried fruit complexity.

Kilkerran Batch 12 reveals a surprising tropical shift; while previous batches leaned heavily into soot and ash, this release is being celebrated for its unexpected “Campbeltown fruit” character. Due to recent glass supply disruptions in the region, you may find this batch in the taller bottle style, but the spirit inside remains the same handcrafted, non-chill filtered, and naturally coloured malt that has made Kilkerran a cult favourite among peat heads worldwide.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: An explosion of creamy butterscotch and vanilla cupcakes hits first, followed by a unique layer of rye bread and toasted cereal. The peat presents as a mellow, earthy smoke, intertwined with bright tropical notes of grilled pineapple, lemon zest, and a hint of elderflower.

Palate: Viscous and mouth-coating. The high ABV carries flavours of sweet honeyed malt and “Iberico ham” savouriness. Mid-palate, it turns remarkably fruity with passionfruit and green apple, all grounded by a deep, mineral sootiness and the classic Campbeltown oily “funk.”

Finish: Exceptionally long and warming. The smoke finally takes center stage with campfire embers and coal dust, balanced by a refreshing burst of lemon sherbet, honeycomb, and a lingering herbal hint of mint.

The Distillery

The Glengyle Distillery is famously home to the “Sheep Quarrel” legacy. It was founded in 1872 by William Mitchell after a falling out with his brother at Springbank—allegedly over the value of a sheep! After being silent for nearly 80 years, it was revived in 2004 using repurposed stills from the Ben Wyvis distillery. Because Glengyle only distills for a few weeks a year using the Springbank team, it is one of the most manually operated distilleries in Scotland. A little known fact: the spirit still at Glengyle was originally a wash still, which contributes to the exceptionally heavy, oil rich character found in this Heavily Peated series.

Overall Review

Batch 12 is arguably the most “complete” version of the Heavily Peated range to date, lauded for its incredible fusion of tropical fruit and rugged smoke. It is a “Bottle of the Year” contender for those who love high intensity, cask strength malts with a coastal soul.