Kilkerran 2024 8 Years Batch 10
Kilkerran is known for its raw, honest whiskies - and this 8-years Batch 10 is no exception. At a whopping 57.4% ABV, it packs quite a punch, but behind the strength lies a sophisticated blend of smoke, spice and sweetness.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression? Herbal spice meets a pinch of curcuma - exotic, but not overpowering. There is also a slight hint of peat smoke, which combines elegantly with blossom honey. But then it comes: a bacony undertone with an almost medicinal note, reminiscent of bath concentrate with spruce needles. Sounds wild? It is - but in a really good way!
Palate
Sweet red fruits open the game, but a decent volume of smoke is quickly added. The whisky is oily, full-bodied and has an astringent dryness that creates tension. Brown sugar rounds off the whole and lends a pleasant sweetness that blends wonderfully into the overall picture.
Finish
Clearly earthy, with a dry, almost dusty smokiness reminiscent of a BBQ that has gone out. A finish with character that doesn't disappear too quickly.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
This Kilkerran 2024 Batch 10 is a spirited dram that really delights with its smoky spice and sweet fruit notes. The robust strength delivers plenty of drive without overshadowing the subtle nuances – a true Campbeltown classic to savor and admire.
Sascha 83/100
At 57.4% ABV, the Kilkerran 2024 Batch 10 presents itself as a complex, well-structured whisky that balances smoke, spice, and sweetness harmoniously. The earthy finish and astringent dryness provide a long-lasting finish, giving this Campbeltown whisky a particularly distinctive character.
Value for Money: Good
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82/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the high alcohol content of 57.4% affect the taste of the Kilkerran 2024 8 Year Batch 10?
The high alcohol content delivers an intense aromatic profile and a powerful mouthfeel. It accentuates the smoky and spicy notes but can also produce a noticeable warmth. Many recommend adding a little water to the whisky to better reveal the delicate flavors.
What role does the Campbeltown region play in the character of this Kilkerran whisky?
Campbeltown is known for its maritime, often lightly smoky and complex whiskies. Kilkerran, as a representative of this region, exhibits typical traits such as a balanced blend of smoke, spice, and sweetness, shaped by its unique maturation process and local microclimates.
What makes the tasting notes of Kilkerran Batch 10 stand out compared to other 8-years whiskies?
This batch impresses with an unusual combination of exotic herbal spice featuring turmeric, a bacon-like and almost medicinal undertone, and an oily texture. The earthy, dry smoke on the finish clearly sets it apart from the more fruity or sweet 8-years expressions.