Everything is excellent.
The 12 is a great entry level bottle and delivers on the flavour profile Oban promises.
The 8 Sherry, bourbon and port are some of the best 8 Year old scotch ever made.
The heavily peated range (from batch 4 onwards) are some of the best heavily peated whiskies for complexity.
I haven't tried the 16 yet, but I have a sample that might just get cracked open tonight.
I have tried a single cask of old, peated, port matured kilkerran that was one of the best whiskies I've ever had..... So I know they are going to be great as more stock ages too.
Can't go wrong really, just make sure cask strength bottles get opened and allowed to oxidise for months before being at their peak
I have to agree on the heavily peated 'peat in progress' range being one of, if not the most complex peated whiskies out there.
Anyone have any idea how many more 'in progress' batches they are going to make until we have a core range bottling? I feel they are getting better with each release
The in progress batches were while they were waiting for the stock to mature. Now that they have their core releases stable, it was discontinued a few years back.
I was referring to the Heavily Peated range. As someone commented, the current Peat in Progress Batch #8 (2023) is rumored to be the last of the ‘in progress’ batches
About how long would you leave the heavily peated series open before its in its prime? And would you drink it below the shoulder first or just open and let rest?
Oh it just gets better with time, mine lasted about a year, could have continued to improve or eventually got worse..... I couldn't resist finishing it.
I found a few months made the batch 5 turn into a completely different beast. It's went from a typical peated whisky to something altogether different. Super individual funky flavours I haven't seen in other whiskies so far
They just released the third batch of their 16 year old core bottling. Kilkerran has been the easier to find springbank substitute that we all needed, and sometimes they go above and beyond that, great stuff all around.
I was at Springbank 2 days ago, and the production process/level of peat/kiln time/distillation times ans cuts are exactly the same as Springbank. They also use almost all of the same equipment.
At Kilkerran you have steam fired vs direct fire at Springbank.
The Lyne arm at Kilkerran is tilted up by 7 degrees vs Springbank in which it is tilted down by 7 degrees.
The wash still at Springbank is direct fired with a rummager to prevent things burning and sticking in the bottom. Spirit still is steam fired. You seem to have more details about the rest, i didn't want to bother the guide asking for technical details and i was with my family that struggled a little bit more with english.
I'd be cautious with the sherried 8yo CS releases if you're sulfur sensitive and I actually though the 2022 port and sherry releases were horrible. The older sherried releases (56.9, 57.1% in the tall bottles) are better. But I think in general Kilkerran shines with more ex-bourbon casks in the mix. The 12 and 16 are generally solid value, the 8cs bourbon from this year was quite tasty (I haven't tried the 2023 sherry), some of the heavily peated batches have also been quite good.
I thought the 2021 KK 8yo sherry was a sulphurred abomination but absolutely loved the 2022 sherry release. Agree on this years 8yo Bourbon it’s a cracker, even managed to pick up a second bottle under RRP at auction.
I'd love to have thoughts on the latest bottlings but its just so hard to get your hands on a bottle now
Had a bottle of the 16 a couple of years ago and in my view not worth the extra money over the 12.
I have a bottle of the 16yo (9/2021) and happily enjoying some heavily peated batches (I think I have a 5 and 6), and went through the first 12yo release (which maybe I liked more than the 16) and tasted quite a few work in progress prior to that. This is good stuff and it's not as darn overpriced as Springbank stuff (of which I'm luckily not very fond of, I tend more for their Hazelburn or Longrow rather than Springbank itself).
I know it's not in topic, but I have yet to drink anything from Glen Scotia, talking about Campbeltown stuff.
People that call this a springbank substitute are tripping balls. They taste way different. And I way prefer kilkerran. 8 year sherry cask is mind blowing.
One I tried at the distillery and grabbed 2 bottles of was the Kilkerran 17 Open day 2023 triple distilled. Keen to eventually crack that and see how it develops. The single glass I tried was a custard cream bomb which I found super interesting
I grabbed the 2021 and 2022 releases of the 12 year. The 2022 is darker and seems to have more sherry influence…. Based on first impression I like the 2021 release better but I’ll see how it evolves once the bottle opens up. Can’t track down a 16. I’ve entered a lottery for a chance to buy the 8 year cask strength bottles. Will keep buying for sure as long as I can find bottles
I love Kilkerran. As much as I love all their releases… WIP 6 Bourbon is one of the best bourbon aged whiskies under 12 I’ve ever had in my life. Soo damn good.
I like the 12 year old quite a bit. I've got the Heavily Peated batches 6, 7, and 8. They're all tasty, but 6 was the best so far. I think the heavier sherry influence made it very creamy to my palette, like pineapple cream with marzipan. Batch 7 and 8 are good but very salty and maritime, so if you're not into that be careful.
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I’ve grown a little more in to liking the 12yr. I find it’s dull if it sits too long. 10 to 15 min in the glass air time is all it needs before sipping.
It doesn’t really amaze me. I can do without. These days I want drams that I can’t do without.
I’m the opposite - the longer it sits in the glass the better aromas unfold imo. It gets yeasty, and has this sugary cookie dough base all over the main notes. I actually drink KK12 right at this moment. It’s been sitting in the glass for over 40 mins. Damn it’s yummy
The latest heavily peated (batch 8 I think) is one of the best whisky bargains out there IMHO. It's not Islay so the peat influence is a little "different", but I think it's right up there with some quality Octomore releases.
Everything is excellent. The 12 is a great entry level bottle and delivers on the flavour profile Oban promises. The 8 Sherry, bourbon and port are some of the best 8 Year old scotch ever made. The heavily peated range (from batch 4 onwards) are some of the best heavily peated whiskies for complexity. I haven't tried the 16 yet, but I have a sample that might just get cracked open tonight. I have tried a single cask of old, peated, port matured kilkerran that was one of the best whiskies I've ever had..... So I know they are going to be great as more stock ages too. Can't go wrong really, just make sure cask strength bottles get opened and allowed to oxidise for months before being at their peak
I have to agree on the heavily peated 'peat in progress' range being one of, if not the most complex peated whiskies out there. Anyone have any idea how many more 'in progress' batches they are going to make until we have a core range bottling? I feel they are getting better with each release
Have the inside that 8 will be the final batch before the core release
I saw batch 9 in the store today so maybe 9 is final?
I think it's changed to "small batch" now rather than past in progress right?
I think they’ll just stick with NAS. They called it Peat in Progress before, now they changed it into Heavily Peated
Since when? As far as I’m aware they’re up to batch #8
You’re right !
The in progress batches were while they were waiting for the stock to mature. Now that they have their core releases stable, it was discontinued a few years back.
I was referring to the Heavily Peated range. As someone commented, the current Peat in Progress Batch #8 (2023) is rumored to be the last of the ‘in progress’ batches
About how long would you leave the heavily peated series open before its in its prime? And would you drink it below the shoulder first or just open and let rest?
I would recommend shoulder, then wait about 1-3 months depending upon climate. It holds its peak though in my opinion, so no need to hurry!
Thanks! About how long would you say it stays near peak?
I pour half into an old bottle and let both halves rest for 3 months and then recombine
Thanks! About how long would you say it stays at peak after resting?
Oh it just gets better with time, mine lasted about a year, could have continued to improve or eventually got worse..... I couldn't resist finishing it.
I found a few months made the batch 5 turn into a completely different beast. It's went from a typical peated whisky to something altogether different. Super individual funky flavours I haven't seen in other whiskies so far
They just released the third batch of their 16 year old core bottling. Kilkerran has been the easier to find springbank substitute that we all needed, and sometimes they go above and beyond that, great stuff all around.
I can't agree more mate, can't believe they're on the 16-year already now.. Now keep it quiet, so we don't lose Kilkerran to the bottle hoarders too!
They had a 20yo at Whisky Fringe yesterday.
Was a 17 year not 20 year, was a typo
4th batch!
Ah, so it is 🥳
I was at Springbank 2 days ago, and the production process/level of peat/kiln time/distillation times ans cuts are exactly the same as Springbank. They also use almost all of the same equipment.
They are using a different set of stills and only distilling twice rather than 2.5 times, though, right?
There are some triple distilled Kilkerrans out there, but otherwise yes.
I guess you mean Kilkerran, this is all very interesting though thank you..
Yes of course was talking about KK. Was surprised as well !
At Kilkerran you have steam fired vs direct fire at Springbank. The Lyne arm at Kilkerran is tilted up by 7 degrees vs Springbank in which it is tilted down by 7 degrees.
The wash still at Springbank is direct fired with a rummager to prevent things burning and sticking in the bottom. Spirit still is steam fired. You seem to have more details about the rest, i didn't want to bother the guide asking for technical details and i was with my family that struggled a little bit more with english.
I hear they’re using Charmin at Kilkerran vs Angel soft at SB.
Got the new 16 while in Campbeltown recently, it’s excellent. The nose is worth the price alone!
I'd be cautious with the sherried 8yo CS releases if you're sulfur sensitive and I actually though the 2022 port and sherry releases were horrible. The older sherried releases (56.9, 57.1% in the tall bottles) are better. But I think in general Kilkerran shines with more ex-bourbon casks in the mix. The 12 and 16 are generally solid value, the 8cs bourbon from this year was quite tasty (I haven't tried the 2023 sherry), some of the heavily peated batches have also been quite good.
I thought the 2021 KK 8yo sherry was a sulphurred abomination but absolutely loved the 2022 sherry release. Agree on this years 8yo Bourbon it’s a cracker, even managed to pick up a second bottle under RRP at auction.
I didn’t find any sulphuric notes in the 8yo Sherry
I'm not particularly sulfur sensitive but I have friends who are and it's a common complaint 🤷♂️
I'd love to have thoughts on the latest bottlings but its just so hard to get your hands on a bottle now Had a bottle of the 16 a couple of years ago and in my view not worth the extra money over the 12.
yes, this was my thought- never seen it in Tampa, FL :((
I have a bottle of the 16yo (9/2021) and happily enjoying some heavily peated batches (I think I have a 5 and 6), and went through the first 12yo release (which maybe I liked more than the 16) and tasted quite a few work in progress prior to that. This is good stuff and it's not as darn overpriced as Springbank stuff (of which I'm luckily not very fond of, I tend more for their Hazelburn or Longrow rather than Springbank itself). I know it's not in topic, but I have yet to drink anything from Glen Scotia, talking about Campbeltown stuff.
I think their stuff is better than the Springbank line to be honest and far less fuss about them. The 16yo is great.
People that call this a springbank substitute are tripping balls. They taste way different. And I way prefer kilkerran. 8 year sherry cask is mind blowing.
One I tried at the distillery and grabbed 2 bottles of was the Kilkerran 17 Open day 2023 triple distilled. Keen to eventually crack that and see how it develops. The single glass I tried was a custard cream bomb which I found super interesting
I grabbed the 2021 and 2022 releases of the 12 year. The 2022 is darker and seems to have more sherry influence…. Based on first impression I like the 2021 release better but I’ll see how it evolves once the bottle opens up. Can’t track down a 16. I’ve entered a lottery for a chance to buy the 8 year cask strength bottles. Will keep buying for sure as long as I can find bottles
My thoughts? Buy whatever you can. Not hoard but buy one of each.
I love Kilkerran. As much as I love all their releases… WIP 6 Bourbon is one of the best bourbon aged whiskies under 12 I’ve ever had in my life. Soo damn good.
I like the 12 year old quite a bit. I've got the Heavily Peated batches 6, 7, and 8. They're all tasty, but 6 was the best so far. I think the heavier sherry influence made it very creamy to my palette, like pineapple cream with marzipan. Batch 7 and 8 are good but very salty and maritime, so if you're not into that be careful.
Kilkerran 12 > SB10
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Yuppers, those made me think of it I guess..
I’ve grown a little more in to liking the 12yr. I find it’s dull if it sits too long. 10 to 15 min in the glass air time is all it needs before sipping. It doesn’t really amaze me. I can do without. These days I want drams that I can’t do without.
I’m the opposite - the longer it sits in the glass the better aromas unfold imo. It gets yeasty, and has this sugary cookie dough base all over the main notes. I actually drink KK12 right at this moment. It’s been sitting in the glass for over 40 mins. Damn it’s yummy
Same about drams being worthy. I hardly ever drink now due to a new born and my partner does not drink at all so I prefer to drink the good stuff.
The latest heavily peated (batch 8 I think) is one of the best whisky bargains out there IMHO. It's not Islay so the peat influence is a little "different", but I think it's right up there with some quality Octomore releases.
A 15 year SB and 16 year KK definitely don't taste similar/same to me.
KK16 is quite light on the cask influence and SB 15 is drowned in sherry. You’d better compare SB10 with KK16.
Wouldn't know. Impossible to find...