Product Information:
A departure from their typically lightly peated single malt, the Heavily Peated Kilkerran is released twice per year at cask strength and around 45PPM. Matured in 90% Bourbon casks and 10% sherry cask. The dram opens with enticing notes of candy floss and crème brulée. Flavourwise, the peat smoke is soft and sweet, with toasted marshmallows typical of the Kilkerran Heavily Peated range. Hints of gooseberries and violets confectionary develop over time. The finish lingers, sweet with an orange peel lift.
Kilkerran pride themselves on completing all parts of the whisky production process on site giving them unrivalled control over the quality of the whisky. From the traditional floor maltings conducted at their sister distillery, Springbank, to the bottling of every edition at their bottling hall in Campbeltown. Sharing a production team and calendar with the neighbouring Springbank Distillery, Glengyle has a short production period of around three months per year, typically operational from October – December. This means Kilkerran is among the most handmade in Scotland.
Item does not come with external tube. Producer Note: “It is our intention to reduce the amount of packaging we use across our group of companies, from Springbank and Kilkerran to William Cadenhead Ltd, and that any we do use is produced and procured as sustainably as possible."
Maker
Glengyle Distillery was originally founded in 1872 by William Mitchell, who had previously run Springbank Distillery with his brother John. After a dispute between the brothers, William Mitchell went on to establish Glengyle Distillery as his own venture. The distillery thrived for several decades before succumbing to economic difficulties and ceasing production in 1925. However, the buildings remained relatively well-maintained over the decades, which set the stage for its reawakening in the 21st century.
In 2000, Mitchell’s Glengyle Ltd purchased the distillery, and after significant renovations, production resumed in 2004 under the guidance of Hedley G. Wright, a great-great nephew of the original founder. The distillery was brought back to life with a dedication to tradition and craftsmanship, focusing on creating high-quality whisky that stayed true to its heritage.
At Glengyle, the philosophy revolves around a combination of traditional craftsmanship and natural processes. This ethos is most evident in the production of Kilkerran Whisky, which is known for its unique style—balanced, approachable, and less peated compared to its original incarnation. By maintaining a commitment to minimal intervention, the distillery creates whisky that genuinely reflects Campbeltown’s terroir, combining the best of both history and innovation.
Distillery
Located in Campbeltown, Glengyle Distillery is one of only three remaining distilleries in this historic whisky-producing region. Once known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’, Campbeltown was home to more than 30 distilleries in the 19th century, but only Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle remain today.
Glengyle Distillery has a rich history, beginning with the founding of the distillery by William Mitchell in 1872. After its closure in 1925, the distillery’s buildings were preserved and maintained, which allowed for its revitalisation in 2004. The distillery now produces Kilkerran Whisky, a single malt Scotch that embodies the region’s complex maritime character.
The philosophy behind the Kilkerran brand is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and respect for nature. The distillery uses traditional methods combined with a modern approach, such as using floor malting from its sister distillery, Springbank, to create a whisky that captures the region’s essence. Kilkerran Whisky offers a classic Campbeltown profile—with light peat, earthy aromas, and a salty finish, creating a distinctive and approachable style that celebrates the unique terroir of the region.
Today, Glengyle Distillery continues to honour its heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring that Kilkerran Whisky remains at the forefront of Scotland’s whisky scene.
Tasting Notes
Nose - Icing Sugar, Crème Brulée, Custard
A sweet introduction, there are notes of icing sugar, crème Brulée and custard.
Palate - Sweet Peat Smoke, Toasted Marshmallows, Buttered Biscuits
Notes of buttered digestive biscuits and custard creams. Hints of gooseberries and candied violets develop over time.
Finish - Gooseberry, Violets, Orange Pulp
In the finish the sweetness lingers, with notes of orange pulp and zest. The peat is prominent in the finish, orange pulp round off this dram.
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Campbeltown
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 57.8%
