Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength
Like many whisky drinkers, I prefer different styles of whisky in different seasons. A general and basic rule of thumb that I think most people would agree with goes something like this: lighter, easier drinking whiskies in the summer, and bigger bodied, bolder whiskies in the winter. Beyond that, there are plenty of different opinions about which whisky goes best with which season.
For me personally, I like sweeter things in the winter and spicier things in the summer (whether it’s whisky, beer, or food). While many people prefer heavily peated Islay whiskies in the winter, I prefer them in the summer. I get why some people like peated malt in winter—the smokiness makes you feel warm, like you’re sitting by the fire. I just don’t see it that way. For me, a good peated Islay whisky reminds me of the sea shore, and I’m more likely to visit the beach during summer. Hence, peat is a summer flavor for me. (Yeah, maybe I’m just a wacko.) Meanwhile a good sherry-matured whisky will typically have a lot of flavors I associate with Christmas, and therefore I prefer a good sherry bomb in the winter. Either that or a good high proof bourbon. There’s nothing like coming inside from the cold after shoveling a half foot of snow and warming up with a bottle of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or something similar. And while I love bourbon in the winter, I much prefer rye in the summer. Give me spice in the heat and sweet in the cold.
I bring this up because while I have strong preferences for whisky in the summer and winter, fall is more flexible. I haven’t had too many drams that have struck me as being especially autumnal. There’s actually only one that readily comes to mind—the Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel that I reviewed last year around this time. Today’s review makes it two.
I purchased a bottle of Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength several months ago, in the beginning of summer. When I first opened it and took a sip, I immediately thought it would be a great fall whisky. So I set the bottle aside a few months, drinking it very sparingly until the weather began to cool a bit and the leaves began to change (which here in Middle Tennessee only just started to happen a couple weeks ago). And I’m glad I saved it. My initial impression was correct (at least for me)—this is a perfect whisky for October weather.
Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength is released in batches, similar to the 12 year old cask strength from Springbank, Kilkerran’s sister distillery in Campbeltown. This particular batch, I believe, is the second release.
So what does what I consider to be an autumnal whisky taste like? Read on.
Kilkerran 8 Cask Strength Review
Type: Single Malt Scotch
Region: Campbeltown
Age: 8 years
ABV: 55.7%
Non chill-filtered
Natural color
Nose
Caramel. Leather. Vanilla wafers. Autumnal… freshly fallen leaves, October air, and pumpkin spice. It reminds me of an autumn-themed candle from Bath and Body Works or the like (confession: I love BBW candles). A touch of Campbeltown funk.
Palate
Rather rich. The bourbon influence is clear but not over the top. Vanilla cream. Caramel flan. Malty. Slightly smoky, just a bit of peat. Stewed fruits. Toasted marshmallow. Malty. Slightly musty. Tobacco. Clove. Nutmeg. Candied orange peel. Biscoff cookies and tea biscuits. Marzipan. Full, creamy, and coating mouthfeel. Like the nose, there is something here that reminds me of autumn.
Finish
Medium in length. Sweet with salted caramel and vanilla. Clove and tobacco. Orange zest. A whiff of peat smoke and brine.
Overall
Delicious and characterful. This probably isn’t a whisky that’s going to win many awards (not that awards matters… they don’t), but man this is just a delightful, unique, and fun pour. The palate is really quite complex. I found new notes with every pour.
So many single malt brands are afraid to put an age statement on a whisky unless it’s at least 10 years old, but that’s just dumb. Eight year old whisky can be fantastic, and this Kilkerran is proof.
SCORE: 8/10
Final Thoughts
Everyone naturally wants to compare Kilkerran to Springbank. It makes sense of course. Same region. Same owners. Same whisky making philosophy. And while there are some comparable traits, I’ve never had a Springbank that tastes like this Kilkerran. This is not Springbank light or Springbank lesser. It’s a damn fine, unique, and characterful Campbeltown malt in its own right.
Buying Advice: At around $70-80 a bottle, this isn’t super cheap, but it’s every bit as good as other single malts in its price range, and better than most. In my opinion, it’s a good buy and a solid value. I’ll be buying another bottle next fall.
Drink This Not That: Drink this. The Kilkerran 12 year is also good, but I like this 8 year cask strength version better personally.
Questions about my scoring system? Refer to the Review Method & Scoring Scale page.
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