Kilkerran 15 YO Single Cask

This is the first of three mystery samples distributed by @Cricklewood for a zoom tasting that took place on April 5, 2019. We were asked to try them in advance of getting together. You’ll note this is the second of my three reviews, because I originally tasted this one second, but it was the first that we tried together.

This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting. I left my notes as I wrote them, with my pathetic guesses at the end.

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March 31 - Highland whisky glass

Nose: 22/25

Very fruity on first sniff after uncovering, but then uncovered the nose fades a little Some mid-range to higher pitch notes. Some vanillins, maybe a hint of cinnamon. Slightly syrupy. Warming it makes it spirity, but then I get some (green?) apple and a hint of pear. Not a bad nose. Water brings baking spices to the fore.

Taste: 21.5/25

Sweet and fruity and slightly hot on the first sip. Rolling it around the mouth brings out some baking spices. Peppery on the development. A little spirity. Thin mouth feel, made thinner with added water. (20.5/25)

Finish: 21.5/25

Peppery, medium long finish. Not too astringent.

Balance: 22/25

The nose hints at what the palate delivers. The peppery note is slightly over-represented.

Score: Neat - 87/100 With Water: 86/100

Guesses - I would think this is likely bourbon-matured, Speyside or Highland, and it’s probably from a distillery I have very little experience with. Not Aberlour, not Old Pulteney. I would estimate the ABV at 43-46%.

According to our host, this was left to sleep in a bourbon puncheon for 10 years, then transferred to a refill hogshead for 5 years.

Notice I was correct that it wasn’t Aberlour or Old Pultney. At least I got that it was bourbon-matured.

This was my favourite of the three. Thanks @Cricklewood for setting this up!