"One of the best new single malts that has been bottled by any Scottish distillery"
(Photo from Whiskybase)
The oldest, yet newest, distillery in Campbeltown, restarted by the owners of Springbank. After 7 times a work-in-progress, we are finally allowed to taste the real stuff. And we have been waiting a long time, with a lot of anticipation.C lassic design, yet original. Simple, but sophisticated. Just love it.
Nose
Rich and complex. Begins quite sherry-esque, which develops into more earthy notes. Broken branches, falling leaves, a damp forest floor. It remains surprisingly clean, crisp and fresh though. Then something vegetal. Avocado, guacamole, and a hint of red pepper, even some tequila? Has somebody from Campbeltown been to Mexico lately!? After while a summer sea breeze rises, which brings sea salt, and a freshness so clean that you almost feel it in your face. Intertwined in all that there is some sweetness, sugared pear drops and almonds, fresh pears. More earth warmed up by the sun. Herbs like rosemary, some mint. Layer upon layer upon layer upon… I do not really find any peat as they promised in their tasting notes, hmm, finally something to criticise.
Taste
Full, but certainly not overwhelming. Here I do get a hint of the peat. I am back in the forest, twigs, leaves, wet forest floor, mud. Hint of liquorice, and very salty. Loads of sea salt. Salty peat, wet peat. Some cabbage, roots, and ginger. The background fills with a slight fruitiness, sweetness, hints of vanilla, raisins, dried fruits, cinnamon cake, nuts. Well it is completely nuts, it is that good. Finish is bitterish with ginger and probably some horse radish, and did I mention it is fresh and crisp?
Overall
Great spirit, and great (meaning not that overwhelming) cask influence. The dirty side of bourbon and a thin coating of sherry then matured under the influence of the sea. I could go on about this for a long time. Ok, I won’t. Just the mark for now.
- Review 2017-078
- Single malt
- Mitchell's Glengyle Distillery
- Kilkerran (Mitchell's)
- 12 years-old
- Bottled in 2017
- 70% bourbon & 30% sherry casks
- Natural colour
- Non chill-filtered
- 46
- Undisclosed number of bottles
- ±50
- Still available
- Whiskybase #85213
What others say
A bottle of this was purchased from !
Scores
• these are my personal views, so do not take them too seriously… nothing beats tasting these for yourself •
- Almonds
- Pears
- Earthy