Kilkerran 12 years

Score: 72

Kilkerran 12 stormed into second place in the club’s tasting lineup with the quiet authority of a Campbeltown classic—no flash, no gimmicks, just pure character. Bottled at 46% ABV and crafted from a mix of 70% ex-bourbon and 30% sherry casks, it delivered a profile that was both rugged and refined, earning deep respect across the board. On the nose, it opened with dry honey and floral aromas, backed by butterscotch, shortbread, and a whisper of brine, like a warm sea breeze drifting through an old stone warehouse. The palate was creamy and substantial, offering peppery warmth wrapped in marmalade sweetness, with cinnamon spice, vanilla, and a flicker of smoke. There was a medicinal edge, but subtle, more of a nod to tradition than a full Islay punch. The finish lingered with dry pepper and a hint of gingersnap, leaving a trail of complexity that kept tasters coming back for another sip. What made Kilkerran 12 stand out wasn’t just its technical balance, it was its confidence. It didn’t try to dazzle; it simply delivered. Kilkerran held its ground with understated elegance. It has since been a regular permashelf whisky for most of the club - and rightly so.