Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 08:38 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover everything about the Kilkerran 12 in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Kilkerran 12: A Smooth Campbeltown Single Malt with Growing Recognition (Great Value)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Kilkerran 12 is a Campbeltown single malt Scotch whisky gaining recognition for its quality and smooth character.
Strengths:
- Solid & Smooth: Kilkerran 12 offers a well-rounded and enjoyable drinking experience, free from harshness or unpleasant aftertaste.
- Rich Flavors: This expression boasts a flavorful profile that will satisfy those who enjoy a complex dram.
- Unfiltered & Uncolored: For those who value authenticity, Kilkerran 12 is produced without chill filtration or artificial coloring.
- Great Value: At under $100 in the US and under £50 in Britain, Kilkerran 12 presents a fantastic value for a 12-year-old single malt.
- Rising Star: Having recently earned a spot among the best 12-year-old Scotches, Kilkerran 12 is a name to watch.
Verdict:
Kilkerran 12 is a smooth and flavorful Campbeltown single malt that delivers a great drinking experience at an attractive price point. Its lack of filtration and coloring caters to those who appreciate a more natural product. With its growing reputation, Kilkerran 12 is a solid choice for whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Learn more: Kilkerran 12 Website
What’s unique about Kilkerran 12?
Kilkerran 12 is a Campbeltown single malt Scotch from Glengyne Distillery.
It’s lightly peated, double-distilled, and aged in 70% first-fill ex-bourbon casks and 30% sherry casks.
Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s non-chill-filtered and has no added coloring.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Marzipan, pineapple, vanilla, dates
- Palate: Vanilla, toffee, honey, orange
- Finish: Honey, orange, ginger
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Springbank 10
- Smoke Level: 😮💨
The nose of Kilkerran 12 offers marzipan, pineapple, vanilla, dates, and a hint of smoke.
On the palate, it showcases a smooth, oily texture with notes of vanilla, toffee, honey, orange, and lingering smokiness.
The finish is pleasantly warm, featuring honey, orange, subtle ginger spiciness, and a touch of black pepper.
Adding water enhances toffee and oak flavors, elevating the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
Is it smoky?
Kilkerran is light on the smoke as it is just a subtle note and not the main driver letting you appreciate other notes.
On a scale from 1 to 5, it rates a maximum of 1 for smokiness.
Is it chill-filtered?
- No, Kilkerran is a non-chill-filtered whisky, offering a more flavorful experience.
Does it use caramel coloring?
- No, Kilkerran is free of artificial coloring, maintaining its natural appearance.
Aging
- Kilkerran is aged for 12 years, using a combination of 70% bourbon and 30% sherry casks.
How to drink it?
- Adding water to Kilkerran releases toffee and gentle oak notes, enhancing its overall enjoyment.
Alternatives
- For a similar experience with gentle smoke, the Springbank 10 which is also unfiltered and uncolored.
Is it good for beginners?
- No, Kilkerran may not be the best choice for absolute beginners.
- If you’re new to whisky, consider starting with more approachable options like Glenlivet 12 or Glenfiddich 12, which are known for their ease of drinking.
Price
- United States: $80
- Canada: $95
- Britain: £48
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), Kilkerran offers a higher alcohol content compared to the average Scotch whisky, while still providing a smooth pour.
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire, but proper storage in a cool, dark place is essential to maintain their quality over time.
Where is it made?
- Kilkerran is crafted at the Glengyle Distillery, founded in 1872, temporarily closed in 1925, and then revived in 2004. It now offers a permanent release of aged Kilkerran after previous successful “Work in Progress” bottlings.
How did I review Kilkerran 12?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Kilkerran 12: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | 12Y |
| Proof | 92 |
| ABV | 46% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | Yes |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | Lightly |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |