Kilkerran Work in Progress 3

The nose is spicy, but think "green" spices: cardamom, jalapeno pepper, and mint. Overall it "pops" really well - vibrant and pleasant. Maybe not deep, but worth nosing again all the same.

The palate "pops" even more than the nose! Bright and vibrant again. Zingy malt and cardamom. A bit of honey sweetness... not much though. It's youthful but not in a harsh way - it makes it zip but never offers any off notes. The malt shines but still you catch some oak notes, quite well balanced with the rest.

On the finish you get the signature Springbank smokiness. I'd say this is slightly more smoky than the youngish Springbank CV, and definitely more smoky than Springbank 10, to give you some perspective. There's quite a bit of sourness/bitterness around, which I also get in Springbank, but it works even better here than in Springbank because Kilkerran is so vibrant. Sort of like how all the bitterness in an IPA works. This is all good! No off notes anywhere. Definitely a great deal for a good drinkin' scotch at $40 a bottle. I'm nearly through the bottle and haven't gotten bored with it, which is actually a bit of a rarity for me... well not rare for a Springbank I guess! (yes I know it's not technically Springbank...)

Recommended as a good scotch, not just a novelty item.