Whisky Review #58 | Kilkerran 16 Year Old 2024 Release 46% ABV | Batch 05.06.24

Up for review today I journey back to Campbeltown and try out the latest batch of the Kilkerran 16 year old, batch bottled on 05.06.24. If you decide to get a bottle in my opinion have a few drams and then let the bottle breathe for several months. I found it to be a tad alcoholic especially on the nose, however after 3 months in the bottle I am glad to say that the time has done wonders to the spirit and everything has settled very nicely. Hope you enjoy the review guys :)

[@jameseverett9035]

I was planning on opening mine next weekend so will listen to your advice and leave it to breathe a while after opening before I revisit it. Keep up the great work mate.

[@whiskyjourney175]

Thanks for your comment mate and kind words. Yeah give it a bit of time in the bottle bud...it improves a lot in my opinion with a bit of patience 🥃

[@hordeum-vulgare]

Nice one. I've still got a half-full (let's be positive) bottle of the 16 YO. You're right, it settles down with time. I must say, I find all Kilkerrans to be extremely oily, which I just love. The prices in Australia for Kilkerrans are still sort of sane, but blink and you'll miss them. Whereas Springbank prices require an appointment with one's bank manager.

[@whiskyjourney175]

Yes totally agree mate, the Kilkerran spirit really does have that oily consistency that like you I also love. Really great things happening in Campbeltown. It's a shame that things are the way they are for you with regards to Springbank. Everybody should be able to get a taste without having to pay a premium. Thanks for the comment and have a great day 🥃

[@justwhisky]

Thanks so much for reviewing this and letting us live vicariously… I bought each of the first three year’s releases @ $150 which is MSRP here in the states 😳with that price tag I always have high expectations… I found each to be soft and somewhat underwhelming , Albiet all pleasant. Something one has to sit and relax with and enjoy its gentle nuances… similar experience with Longmorn 16… but the Longmorn is at 48% which it needs…. My main critique with older age SB (16,18,21) is that they all feel underpowered by the 46%. IMO these need a bump to at least 48% to 50% range to convey the experience of what SB has to offer… especially for the high price here in the States New K16 @ $160-$170 SB 18 @ $280 SB 21 @ $1000 Cheers 🥃

[@whiskyjourney175]

I hear you mate, it is a hard sell at $160 (£127). I know the price differences between countries is totally out of whack but for £127 I want something pretty special and more than likely at cask strength. A bump in ABV would most definitely be welcomed by me, but then costs would probably go even more through the roof. Completely get what you mean about the older age statements feeling a bit underpowered, but as you said good drams to relax to. The Kilkerran 16 for me definitely feels more like a "summer time" dram, where I can just sit in the sun and relax. It's a real shame that the prices in the States are what they are 🥃

[@welshtoro3256]

It's the price that matters though isn't it John? It's nowhere near worth $150 but it is worth the £75 I paid for it. Truth be told though I don't think it's that much better than the £50 twelve year. Past batches have been better.

[@justwhisky]

@ SB shines at their 12 cs…. And the 10 ain’t too shabby 😇 but as you allude….at the end of day it’s value for money 💰 Cheers 🥃

[@-xirx-]

I have 2 bottles of batch 10, which I love. It is tue first and so far only Kilkerran I've tried, but it is one of my favourites.i do love the Campbeltown funk. I would love to try this bottle, but at around £160, I will have to save up. Thank you for the window into tasting this bottle.

[@whiskyjourney175]

If you mean the Heavily Peated batch 10 that is a great bottle that I have not got around to reviewing yet. One of the best value for money cask strength bottles you can get. Please don't pay anything near to £160 for the 16 year old - it's not worth that kind of cash in my opinion. Maybe wait until the next batch comes around, or alternatively try and get it at auction. Kilkerran does not hit the same prices as Springbank on auction so you may get lucky. Thanks for your comment bud, it is appreciated 🥃

[@-xirx-]

@whiskyjourney175 I did some searching around and found a French website with a bottle of the 16yr old for £80! And a springbank 10yr old for £87. The postage was £14 but still a great deal, better than anything I could find in the u.k. Yes, i have the Kilkerran heavily peated batch 10, which is a personal favourite atm. Cheers! 🥃

[@whiskyjourney175]

@@-xirx- Drink Finder (Constantine Stores) online based in Cornwall have the Kilkerran 16 currently for £75 but not the Springbank 10. Carringtons Wines online based in Manchester have the Springbank 10 currently in stock for £72.50 but don't have the Kilkerran 16. So looks like you did alright there mate as I cannot find an online shop in the UK that has both bottles. Either way I am sure that you will find both bottles excellent - let me know how you get on once you have tried both. Cheers 🥃