A store near by has it, but it is asking 160 euros for it and frankly, I refuse to pay that extra price. In the last two years I have stopped buying a lot of bottles because I don't intend to help the speculators, I believe that much of the experience of enjoying a dram is lost when you know that you are overpaying, in the same way that when you get a bargain, an average whiskey tastes like heaven.
Not wrong…get yer self over to distillery at some point lot more reasonable prices n one offs like the living casks there…was lucky enough to be there couple of weeks ago sun shining was glorious and enjoyed a dram n cheeseboard in the washback bar they have at the distillery..great day out
Stick to a price you can pay. I passed up on Springbank 12 for $200. I paid $90 for them just before COVID. Helps that I have one open and another stashed. But at those prices I’m drawing the line. If you feel the price was too much, you’ll expect perhaps too much of the bottle and it won’t meet your expectations. I do t like to pay more than $150 ish for any bottle. Last time I paid that much was for Old Pulteney 21. Plenty of great bottles for @$100. Shop around and pick wisely. If you don’t watch yourself, current and future prices can burn too much of your wallet. Unless of course you have money to burn. Then by all means, enjoy your purchases.
Totally agree. I think, depending on your location, that you can find them at the right price. Bought my third bottle at 95€, which is a very fair price, in my opinion, for a 16 yo, and definitely worth the money. Very big fan of Kilkerran.
Wow, that is indeed steep. I feel fortunate that I was able to pick up three bottles of the latest release at just under €85 apiece here in Sweden. Such a great dram.
The joy that shines out from you, is worth more than a malt mark :) Always a pleasure to be in your company of integrity. No bs, only the truth. Feels like home. Wish you the best
I was fortunate enough to latch onto the Kilkerran 15 year-old cask strength edition when it was released here in Calgary. Unlike the one bourbon-aged 15 reported on in Whiskyfun, this one is sherried. Nothing less than spectacular. Saving it for those special dramming moments.
Unbelievable, just had this 16yo drum couple of minutes ago. Really enjoy it, then pick up to check Ralfy past videos, including Kilkerran 8yo and Kilkerran 12yo. And now, you just made review of 16yo. Kind of telepathy :) Cheers mate!!!
A lovely more subtle version of Kilkerran with plenty of depth and citrusy biscuits, I got the banana too and find this one changes a little every time I have a glass, trying this one once doesn't do it justice really. Yummy stuff. I love the cask strength and the heavily peated versions too, all hit different areas but all very much quality drams.
Big fan for years! Hopefully flippers don’t realise how good it is as Hazelburn and we can still get this gem at reasonable prices. 8yo cs bourbon this year another great dram!
Flippers and most retail shops know kilkerran since 2022Q1😅. Can still be able to buy msrp kilkerran in 2021 q3-4 in asia but not any more in 2022. All items are asking 2-3 times in whole asia except your shop sell you one or two mrsp bottles given you have really good relationship with them. Real iternet era nowadays with all the tiktok , youtube 10-20s short videos made by famous kol with millions of followers that gain 10m-100m + views in just one to 6 months thanks to the 2-3yrs covid period. Tones of new whisky lovers due to lockdown and quick learning curve during the covid period as everyone are staying home including old ,new whisky lovers ,colletors and rich people who have tones of money at the bank looking for alternative investment with higher return. 2020-2023 is likes whole world (both buy side sell side) understand the demand and supply of the good whisky/bourbon and most parties are willing or have to accept sell side power is the greatest now for the whole whisky history. Core items(talisker18,bal 25yrs and most nas/low age bottle cask strength version..etc) msrp of big firms like diago explain everything, let alone secondary market. Even you don't pay more than msrp for the good items, lots of people will do as demand for good old style whisky is kinda fixed, once they expand and double the production with new plants and eq, we all know the taste will be different and probably worse usually as % of extra age stock in a boytle will approach to zero. So a reasonable whisky lover will just hunt old version which is affected by individual buying power and whenever new version is out, most old versions will just rise in $. Prisoner dillema, most of us including myself will just pay extra as most human want more choice given they can afford it.Most will not just stick with a few good whisky with reasonable or underated price and world demand for whisky/bourbon are still going up according to the industry report . All major japanese, us and uk producers are building or planning to grow 50-100percent plat size. I will not say their management will always be right about the future demand but I guess the tide is on their side for sure nowadays. Just imagine how crazy will the price for the good whisky will be in 3-5 yrs when China and India whisky lover n.o increase with time. Production of good casks and n.o of rare casks is a real issue too and money can't solve it as it take time for the tree to grow. " M society" for whisky is coming just likes apartment price hike for the international cities in the past 20 yrs disregard the general inflation issue (hk, sg, bj, sh,ny....etc). More and more whisky lovers can only drink soso or "relatively worse" whisky in the future while the great or godlike items are owned by the small % of people as supply for good stuff is really limited in real life and theory and I don't see there are any problem for the demand. Rich people in developing countries are willing to buy good whisky for sure once they have learned more about it as they are paying much higher than western price for cars, cloth, gems , handbags...etc due to the tax, let alone a bottle of whisky which is nothing in absolute amount comparing to a branded bag/car.
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you. I have learned so much about whisk(e)y gleaning from your knowledge. We have a channel of our own primarily discussing bourbon but I truly love single malt scotch whisky. Thank you sir for all the wonderful moments I have been able to enjoy watching your channel.
Saw the 12 in a local shop the other day. £58... i would buy it, but recently found two Springbank 10s and bought both . So need to save that money! This 16 looks good
So happy you posted this. I managed to pick up this bottle about 3 months ago in Canada, and havent opened it yet....so now looking forward to sharing with the neighbors!
I just visited both Glengyle and Springbank distilleries a few days ago, your timing is perfect! It was an absolute dream for me. I had a chance to taste some truly remarkable malts in the Washback bar! Can't wait to return. Your reviews really shaped my journey, thank you for your service :)
O dear, what an enthusiastic review. I’ve enjoyed Kilkerran whiskies for several years however it has become increasingly difficult to buy them. This type of positive review will make it even harder!
I've really enjoyed every single Kilkerran I tried. The peaty-smoky aspect of Kilkerran has some similarities to smells you can get cycling around the scottish countryside through some farmsteads, there's some hay, burnt hay, milk fermenting for cheese, some manure in the mix. Although it sounds a bit disgusting, it makes Springbank and Kilkerran peat more unique and actually tastes great. I thoroughly enjoyed the last batch of Kilkerran 16yo, just going through a bottle of Heavily Peated #8 and it's a banger! That said, my fav was #4, very red meat-like iron rich, dry red wine astringency and tannins, like some very very rare stake cured in merlot.
He’d have given this an 89 or a 90 pts last year. I believe he’s doing it to throw off the price gougers. We can read between the lines Ralphy. Just listen to his review and judge based on that. Pay no mind to the score. 🍾
His marking system has changed for that reason. But in this new marking system, 87 is a brilliant score. Around a 90, maybe a 91 in the old scoring system
As ever, your notes mirror my experience Ralfy, sipping along with you, helped me get a bit more out of this final pour from a bottle purchased in Nov 2020. Sad to finish such a fantastic whisky. Having said that, decided I had to compare with a Springbank Local Barley, one of my all time top drams, easily beats the K12, and you know what, I think this pipped it. The LB although with a wonderful clarity, seems a tad dry in comparison, but that's probably just down to the log fire and the season, expect my preference will switch in summer! Time to get down to my local bottle shop and put another order in. Cheers. Edit before posting: nah. after a few mins, SB Local Barley all the way! Thanks for helping. ; )
Lucky enough for source myself my 1st btl & have just opened it. 1st impression it's compressed but I feel as the btl open ups I will like it a smidge better than Springbank 15. I get less sherry influence, although MOM state the 2023 edition is 60% Sherry, 35% Bourbon, 5% Rum.
The 12 year old is my favorite Kilkerran so far. I look forward to experiencing the 16. Thank you Ralfy for your comprehensive approach to presenting whisky.
Tried samples of the 12 and 16 year olds as I acquired a bottle good year ago of the 16..and preferred the 12 …might be I enjoy younger whisky or inexperience but def liked 12 more
I admit to hoarding two or three bottles of the 12, the other versions have yet to make a showing locally. The 12 went from $69 to $99 in its fleeting appearance. If the 16 is as good as the twelve, I’ll probably grab a couple of those. It will be interesting to see if an independent bottler gets a hold of a few casks
If you haven’t already bought one, let me assure you the Kilkerran 16 is even better than the 12. Just be aware, it isn’t a “loud” Single Malt. The 16 has a “subtle” greatness and complexity. I love this whiskey, it’s one of my current favourites and I was sure Ralfy would give him a 90 malt mark. Unfortunately, the prices for Kilkerran are already rising, I had to pay 95 Euros for it and it was a no-brainer for that money. I hate to see Kilkerran going in the same direction as Springbank and Hazelburn. It’s near the point where I can’t justify paying 90 Euros for the SB10, 250 Euros for the SB12CS or 200 Euros for the Hazelburn 15 Oloroso. I won’t do it. Fuck those flippers and scavengers, I hate them with a passion. What makes me really mad, there isn’t another Springbank (Hazelburn/Longrow/Kilkerran). Sure, there are other (affordable) fantastic integrity whiskey, but Springbank is a unicorn. They make everything the right way, I love that distillery. But I can’t do it anymore. I can’t justify paying 100 Euros for SB10 next year .. Sorry for my rant .. What I wanted to say is if you can get a bottle of Kilkerran 16 for 120, 130 bucks you should buy it. It’s fantastic stuff, and I’m sure next year you will have to pay 200 Euros for it.
I bought a bottle of this last year in London for £63! Unbelievable value for the price, its just a shame a lot of other 16-18 year olds are being price gouged by retailers and distillers alike.
Thank you for the review! Unfortunately I've seen Kilkerran 12 on ballots recently. Seems the days of Kilkerran staying a secret for enthusiasts is over. Hopefully they'll up production.
Springbank doesn’t care about Australia. To find any decent Springbank is a 14 hour trip door-to-door to Tokyo. If you want to find an excellent range of Campbeltown malts they are in Japan. Forget Suntory and Nikka go for various Ichiro’s malts and Kanosuke if you’re looking for newer breeds of local Japanese. Ichiro’s Chichibu The Peated is AMAZING.
Australia doesn’t care about Springbank might be more accurate, but in reality nether will be true. Any specialist whisky shop in Australia will be importing any they can get. And it likely gets purchased before it even needs to be offered on a shelf to walk in punters. But if you’re talking Kilkerran, it’s usually available at specialty shops in New Zealand. Plenty of Scots and Kiwis here who know their whisky.
@@helloxuxu I'm a regular at one of our best specialist whisky shops (not a chain) and they haven't seen any availability in over a year in spite of regular requests. On the other hand, the volume and unique bottlings, bar picks, and store picks, landing in Japan is amazing. Definitely worth a trip.
I’m planning a trip to Taiwan later this year. When I lived there 17 or so years ago interest was growing in whisky, so keen to see what’s on offer there nowadays .
Nice review Ralph, but another whiskey many can’t get at a reasonable price unfortunately. Would be great to have a Springbank kilkerran free month on RUclips.
WOW !!! Ralfy hasn't got wood for a malt like this since he reviewed Port Charlotte 10 over a years ago. Glad I stock piled some of those also at $55 last year because they are $70 everywhere now. Know a deal when it's a deal and buy multiples. I listened to Ralfy's sage advice over a decade ago about knowing what and when to buy and it's better to have multiples of great whisky than to have 1 of a bunch of mediocre to good stuff just to have more variety. In reality one doesn't really need more than a dozen different whiskies to keep a good rotation as long as they are really good whiskies and that goes for rum or anything else. Too many fools chasing whatever and end up with a bunch of mediocrity and better off to buy from about a dozen different distilleries and do well to leave the rest alone. Hobbyist's become blind fools chasing and especially to keep up with peers that are the blind leading the blind. Ever watch Whiskytube ? It's the epitome of the blind leading the blind. Ralfy is wise and doesn't partake in it and he is a true soverign knowledgable whisky guide. If only 10% of Whiskytube was in the vein of Ralfy it would be a better place but it's mostly chasers and keeping up with the peers game of foolishness. Wether you like it or not Ralfy still wears the crown and the most sensible reviewer out there on Whiskytube and tells it like it is with no hidden agendas. Blessings Ralfy !!!
The 12 year old is absolutely a favourite of mine and I'd love to sample this expression as well. Unfortunately where I am from in Canada Kilkerrran has become almost as rare a sight on shelves as it's cousin down the road in Campbeltown.
We don't have any 16yo here but I cracked open a 12yo for the coronation. As soon as the guy sat on the chair with the Scotch Rock under it, I took the first sip. It was Royally good.
Got it at a bargain 73€ in Germany. Didn’t really enjoy it to be honest, very muted and shy. I prefer the 12. Much more bold and flavorful. Maybe I just don’t have sophisticated enough taste
Would love to try Ralfy but unfortunately unavailable in Australia. Could you possibly review the blended whisky's you mentioned you were going to review but decided not to? Malt mention. ''Marvelous Marsupial Malt Maniacs''
Hope I can find a bottle of this some day. Where I'm at, Kilkerran is now just as rare as Springbank. I've never been disappointed with any other Kilkerran I've had to date, but I often wonder: Why? Why did Springbank open a separate distillery to produce what is arguably a rather small variation on what they already make? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad for the extra capacity to bring more whisky to market, but I still find it puzzling that they're marketing a whisky under a different name that's so similar to their original product. Why not just call it an expansion of Springbank's capacity and leverage their valuable brand recognition?
My understanding is that to qualify as a distinct whisky region an area needs to have at least 3 distilleries, and therfore Mr Mitchell took it upon himself to bring Glengyle into life to ensure the 'Campbeltown' status remained.
Judging my the ‘aged’ and ‘years’ been black font it will be either batch 1 2020 or batch 2 2021, font changed to a light blue colour for batch 3 2022.
Unfortunately here in Australia people are almost as mad about it as they are Springbank. Its hard to get. I managed to get a 12yo at a reasonable price but haven't seen another one since.
After your enthusiastic, even lyrical review I really had expected 90 points from you, Ralfy😅. As for me I have given this really nice malt 87 points as well though!😏
I am at a loss with how to take these ratings. And if there's recalibration should then adjust all reviews accordingly; else lesser whisky's have the same grade profile when looking at the history. In any event, I happened upon this whisky while traveling- a known good whisky shop that brings hard to find whisky's. Thought the lable said 116 but it was 169. A bit more than I like to pay, and while not worth it from a value perspective. It is a fantastic whisky. I'd say a 92 :)
Ralfy questions 1. You said it’s a banger than you give it just 87? As I have seen you give way more score to other whiskies which you did not rave about this much? 2. Is 140$ a good price?
Hi, Ralfy. I have been a regular customer of Glenglassaugh Revival and Evolution. The latest bottle of Revival I purchased, they tricked me; previous bottles state: Non Chill Filtered and Natural Color. On the latest bottle, they cover the same "area" on the label with this: "Natural Cask-Imparted Colour"...and I did not notice thjs until I had opened the bottle. I sent an email to Glenglassaugh asking for an explanation, but after a week, I still have not been answered. Knowing what Brown Forman did to GlenDronach, I fear they have again destroyed a good whisky. Have you heard anything about this?
Got to disagree, the scavengers are fully aware of the 8 sherry/port releases, they are impossible to get for msrp now. I'd also disagree with the 16 being their best release. The heavily peated releases from 4 onwards have been phenomenal. All the complexity of octomores at a third of the price
It's to not flood your nostrils with alcohol fumes that can overwhelm your sense of smell (and burn sometimes). It basically mixes more oxygen in which enhances perception of smell. Try it.
Would like to try this, but the price here makes it just another one of those single malts to be placed on a wish list. Always enjoy your reviews, but perhaps you need to get back to reviewing those malts most of us can afford - you've made mention in a few of your other videos about not rewarding those distilleries that are attempting to cater to those speculators with deep pockets. Again, I do enjoy your reviews.
Even now in Russia, during the sanctions period, you can buy a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old Kilkerran at a price of $ 78 and $ 115. There's even a $78 Longrow..😅
Well thats f**ked it, the only reason you've not been nuked is I like Cal and Cav and the TT. But come on mate give us malt Mates who have been able to buy this and the other Kilkerran offerings a chance, just say it's crap 🙂
Kilkerran 16 was $95 here in Cali and now it's $150 and the 12 was $60-ish and now $100. Neither are worth the current price. it was great stuff when it was the diamond in the rough and under the radar and was a cheaper alternative to Springbank but Pacific Edge Imports who is the U.S. distributor ruined it because they are controlling the prices here and are holding people hostage with Springbank and Glengyle stuff. good stuff but no longer worth the price it is. I'm glad I have about 20 bottles of Kilkerran and 40 Springbanks stashed from the past. I knew this was coming 3 years ago when the hype got huge and I bought a ton of it before the gouging
Why not put out a 5yo fresh bourbon, recent previous releases were the 20yo LR and the SB28 with the combination of casks. How does releasing something from totally different sides of the whisky spectrum equal SB losing its integrity? All still integrity malt.
A store near by has it, but it is asking 160 euros for it and frankly, I refuse to pay that extra price. In the last two years I have stopped buying a lot of bottles because I don't intend to help the speculators, I believe that much of the experience of enjoying a dram is lost when you know that you are overpaying, in the same way that when you get a bargain, an average whiskey tastes like heaven.
Not wrong…get yer self over to distillery at some point lot more reasonable prices n one offs like the living casks there…was lucky enough to be there couple of weeks ago sun shining was glorious and enjoyed a dram n cheeseboard in the washback bar they have at the distillery..great day out
I see it in de starting at around €130. Still pretty steep ...
Stick to a price you can pay. I passed up on Springbank 12 for $200. I paid $90 for them just before COVID. Helps that I have one open and another stashed. But at those prices I’m drawing the line. If you feel the price was too much, you’ll expect perhaps too much of the bottle and it won’t meet your expectations. I do t like to pay more than $150 ish for any bottle.
Last time I paid that much was for Old Pulteney 21. Plenty of great bottles for @$100. Shop around and pick wisely. If you don’t watch yourself, current and future prices can burn too much of your wallet. Unless of course you have money to burn. Then by all means, enjoy your purchases.
Totally agree. I think, depending on your location, that you can find them at the right price. Bought my third bottle at 95€, which is a very fair price, in my opinion, for a 16 yo, and definitely worth the money. Very big fan of Kilkerran.
Wow, that is indeed steep. I feel fortunate that I was able to pick up three bottles of the latest release at just under €85 apiece here in Sweden. Such a great dram.
I have the 12 and the Heavily Peated; both are excellent and have put Kilkerran on my "buy on sight if priced sensibly" list along with Springbank
The joy that shines out from you, is worth more than a malt mark :)
Always a pleasure to be in your company of integrity. No bs, only the truth. Feels like home.
Wish you the best
I was fortunate enough to latch onto the Kilkerran 15 year-old cask strength edition when it was released here in Calgary. Unlike the one bourbon-aged 15 reported on in Whiskyfun, this one is sherried. Nothing less than spectacular. Saving it for those special dramming moments.
Unbelievable, just had this 16yo drum couple of minutes ago. Really enjoy it, then pick up to check Ralfy past videos, including Kilkerran 8yo and Kilkerran 12yo. And now, you just made review of 16yo. Kind of telepathy :) Cheers mate!!!
Another cracking review, unfortunately not as accessible as one would hope at the moment - but I will keep my eyes open for it. Thanks Ralfy.
A lovely more subtle version of Kilkerran with plenty of depth and citrusy biscuits, I got the banana too and find this one changes a little every time I have a glass, trying this one once doesn't do it justice really. Yummy stuff.
I love the cask strength and the heavily peated versions too, all hit different areas but all very much quality drams.
Big fan for years!
Hopefully flippers don’t realise how good it is as Hazelburn and we can still get this gem at reasonable prices. 8yo cs bourbon this year another great dram!
Flippers and most retail shops know kilkerran since 2022Q1😅. Can still be able to buy msrp kilkerran in 2021 q3-4 in asia but not any more in 2022. All items are asking 2-3 times in whole asia except your shop sell you one or two mrsp bottles given you have really good relationship with them.
Real iternet era nowadays with all the tiktok , youtube 10-20s short videos made by famous kol with millions of followers that gain 10m-100m + views in just one to 6 months thanks to the 2-3yrs covid period. Tones of new whisky lovers due to lockdown and quick learning curve during the covid period as everyone are staying home including old ,new whisky lovers ,colletors and rich people who have tones of money at the bank looking for alternative investment with higher return.
2020-2023 is likes whole world (both buy side sell side) understand the demand and supply of the good whisky/bourbon and most parties are willing or have to accept sell side power is the greatest now for the whole whisky history. Core items(talisker18,bal 25yrs and most nas/low age bottle cask strength version..etc) msrp of big firms like diago explain everything, let alone secondary market. Even you don't pay more than msrp for the good items, lots of people will do as demand for good old style whisky is kinda fixed, once they expand and double the production with new plants and eq, we all know the taste will be different and probably worse usually as % of extra age stock in a boytle will approach to zero. So a reasonable whisky lover will just hunt old version which is affected by individual buying power and whenever new version is out, most old versions will just rise in $. Prisoner dillema, most of us including myself will just pay extra as most human want more choice given they can afford it.Most will not just stick with a few good whisky with reasonable or underated price and world demand for whisky/bourbon are still going up according to the industry report . All major japanese, us and uk producers are building or planning to grow 50-100percent plat size. I will not say their management will always be right about the future demand but I guess the tide is on their side for sure nowadays.
Just imagine how crazy will the price for the good whisky will be in 3-5 yrs when China and India whisky lover n.o increase with time. Production of good casks and n.o of rare casks is a real issue too and money can't solve it as it take time for the tree to grow. " M society" for whisky is coming just likes apartment price hike for the international cities in the past 20 yrs disregard the general inflation issue (hk, sg, bj, sh,ny....etc). More and more whisky lovers can only drink soso or "relatively worse" whisky in the future while the great or godlike items are owned by the small % of people as supply for good stuff is really limited in real life and theory and I don't see there are any problem for the demand.
Rich people in developing countries are willing to buy good whisky for sure once they have learned more about it as they are paying much higher than western price for cars, cloth, gems , handbags...etc due to the tax, let alone a bottle of whisky which is nothing in absolute amount comparing to a branded bag/car.
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you. I have learned so much about whisk(e)y gleaning from your knowledge.
We have a channel of our own primarily discussing bourbon but I truly love single malt scotch whisky.
Thank you sir for all the wonderful moments I have been able to enjoy watching your channel.
Saw the 12 in a local shop the other day. £58... i would buy it, but recently found two Springbank 10s and bought both . So need to save that money! This 16 looks good
So happy you posted this. I managed to pick up this bottle about 3 months ago in Canada, and havent opened it yet....so now looking forward to sharing with the neighbors!
I was lucky enough to get one in those 'drammer's draw' things a few months back. It's a fine bottle indeed.
I just visited both Glengyle and Springbank distilleries a few days ago, your timing is perfect! It was an absolute dream for me. I had a chance to taste some truly remarkable malts in the Washback bar! Can't wait to return. Your reviews really shaped my journey, thank you for your service :)
. . . happy to help.
O dear, what an enthusiastic review. I’ve enjoyed Kilkerran whiskies for several years however it has become increasingly difficult to buy them. This type of positive review will make it even harder!
I've really enjoyed every single Kilkerran I tried. The peaty-smoky aspect of Kilkerran has some similarities to smells you can get cycling around the scottish countryside through some farmsteads, there's some hay, burnt hay, milk fermenting for cheese, some manure in the mix. Although it sounds a bit disgusting, it makes Springbank and Kilkerran peat more unique and actually tastes great. I thoroughly enjoyed the last batch of Kilkerran 16yo, just going through a bottle of Heavily Peated #8 and it's a banger! That said, my fav was #4, very red meat-like iron rich, dry red wine astringency and tannins, like some very very rare stake cured in merlot.
He’d have given this an 89 or a 90 pts last year. I believe he’s doing it to throw off the price gougers. We can read between the lines Ralphy.
Just listen to his review and judge based on that. Pay no mind to the score. 🍾
Yeah, I was a bit surprised by the score when compared to the words, like “phenomenal” which I can’t remember ever hearing Ralfy utter.
His marking system has changed for that reason. But in this new marking system, 87 is a brilliant score. Around a 90, maybe a 91 in the old scoring system
As ever, your notes mirror my experience Ralfy, sipping along with you, helped me get a bit more out of this final pour from a bottle purchased in Nov 2020. Sad to finish such a fantastic whisky.
Having said that, decided I had to compare with a Springbank Local Barley, one of my all time top drams, easily beats the K12, and you know what, I think this pipped it. The LB although with a wonderful clarity, seems a tad dry in comparison, but that's probably just down to the log fire and the season, expect my preference will switch in summer! Time to get down to my local bottle shop and put another order in. Cheers.
Edit before posting: nah. after a few mins, SB Local Barley all the way! Thanks for helping.
; )
Lucky enough for source myself my 1st btl & have just opened it.
1st impression it's compressed but I feel as the btl open ups I will like it a smidge better than Springbank 15.
I get less sherry influence, although MOM state the 2023 edition is 60% Sherry, 35% Bourbon, 5% Rum.
Fabulous review Ralfy!
Slàinte mhath! 😉
There are 4 different Kilkerrans available in Berlin, this one included.
I can't belive it... After 15 years on youtube yout still alive!
The 12 year old is my favorite Kilkerran so far. I look forward to experiencing the 16. Thank you Ralfy for your comprehensive approach to presenting whisky.
Tried samples of the 12 and 16 year olds as I acquired a bottle good year ago of the 16..and preferred the 12 …might be I enjoy younger whisky or inexperience but def liked 12 more
believe it or not i actually prefer the intensity and batch variation of the Peat in Progress series.
I haven't had a dram of the 12yo in a while. Does it still have that waxy note to it?
I admit to hoarding two or three bottles of the 12, the other versions have yet to make a showing locally. The 12 went from $69 to $99 in its fleeting appearance. If the 16 is as good as the twelve, I’ll probably grab a couple of those. It will be interesting to see if an independent bottler gets a hold of a few casks
If you haven’t already bought one, let me assure you the Kilkerran 16 is even better than the 12. Just be aware, it isn’t a “loud” Single Malt. The 16 has a “subtle” greatness and complexity. I love this whiskey, it’s one of my current favourites and I was sure Ralfy would give him a 90 malt mark.
Unfortunately, the prices for Kilkerran are already rising, I had to pay 95 Euros for it and it was a no-brainer for that money.
I hate to see Kilkerran going in the same direction as Springbank and Hazelburn. It’s near the point where I can’t justify paying 90 Euros for the SB10, 250 Euros for the SB12CS or 200 Euros for the Hazelburn 15 Oloroso.
I won’t do it. Fuck those flippers and scavengers, I hate them with a passion. What makes me really mad, there isn’t another Springbank (Hazelburn/Longrow/Kilkerran). Sure, there are other (affordable) fantastic integrity whiskey, but Springbank is a unicorn. They make everything the right way, I love that distillery. But I can’t do it anymore. I can’t justify paying 100 Euros for SB10 next year ..
Sorry for my rant .. What I wanted to say is if you can get a bottle of Kilkerran 16 for 120, 130 bucks you should buy it. It’s fantastic stuff, and I’m sure next year you will have to pay 200 Euros for it.
I've heard the 16 is the one to go for so will grab it one day but i still have an unopened 12 year which I've been saving.
I bought a bottle of this last year in London for £63! Unbelievable value for the price, its just a shame a lot of other 16-18 year olds are being price gouged by retailers and distillers alike.
Thank you for the review!
Unfortunately I've seen Kilkerran 12 on ballots recently. Seems the days of Kilkerran staying a secret for enthusiasts is over. Hopefully they'll up production.
Springbank doesn’t care about Australia. To find any decent Springbank is a 14 hour trip door-to-door to Tokyo. If you want to find an excellent range of Campbeltown malts they are in Japan. Forget Suntory and Nikka go for various Ichiro’s malts and Kanosuke if you’re looking for newer breeds of local Japanese. Ichiro’s Chichibu The Peated is AMAZING.
Australia doesn’t care about Springbank might be more accurate, but in reality nether will be true. Any specialist whisky shop in Australia will be importing any they can get. And it likely gets purchased before it even needs to be offered on a shelf to walk in punters. But if you’re talking Kilkerran, it’s usually available at specialty shops in New Zealand. Plenty of Scots and Kiwis here who know their whisky.
@@helloxuxu I'm a regular at one of our best specialist whisky shops (not a chain) and they haven't seen any availability in over a year in spite of regular requests. On the other hand, the volume and unique bottlings, bar picks, and store picks, landing in Japan is amazing. Definitely worth a trip.
I’m planning a trip to Taiwan later this year. When I lived there 17 or so years ago interest was growing in whisky, so keen to see what’s on offer there nowadays .
Nice review Ralph, but another whiskey many can’t get at a reasonable price unfortunately. Would be great to have a Springbank kilkerran free month on RUclips.
WOW !!! Ralfy hasn't got wood for a malt like this since he reviewed Port Charlotte 10 over a years ago. Glad I stock piled some of those also at $55 last year because they are $70 everywhere now. Know a deal when it's a deal and buy multiples. I listened to Ralfy's sage advice over a decade ago about knowing what and when to buy and it's better to have multiples of great whisky than to have 1 of a bunch of mediocre to good stuff just to have more variety. In reality one doesn't really need more than a dozen different whiskies to keep a good rotation as long as they are really good whiskies and that goes for rum or anything else. Too many fools chasing whatever and end up with a bunch of mediocrity and better off to buy from about a dozen different distilleries and do well to leave the rest alone. Hobbyist's become blind fools chasing and especially to keep up with peers that are the blind leading the blind. Ever watch Whiskytube ? It's the epitome of the blind leading the blind. Ralfy is wise and doesn't partake in it and he is a true soverign knowledgable whisky guide. If only 10% of Whiskytube was in the vein of Ralfy it would be a better place but it's mostly chasers and keeping up with the peers game of foolishness. Wether you like it or not Ralfy still wears the crown and the most sensible reviewer out there on Whiskytube and tells it like it is with no hidden agendas. Blessings Ralfy !!!
The 12 year old is absolutely a favourite of mine and I'd love to sample this expression as well. Unfortunately where I am from in Canada Kilkerrran has become almost as rare a sight on shelves as it's cousin down the road in Campbeltown.
I was expecting at least 90 based on Ralfy's expression and description XD
A local place here in MA, USA was selling a bottle of the 8yr CS for $386. Which is nothing short of robbery.
We don't have any 16yo here but I cracked open a 12yo for the coronation. As soon as the guy sat on the chair with the Scotch Rock under it, I took the first sip. It was Royally good.
Got it at a bargain 73€ in Germany. Didn’t really enjoy it to be honest, very muted and shy. I prefer the 12. Much more bold and flavorful. Maybe I just don’t have sophisticated enough taste
I love love love this whiskey
Especially the 12🥰
Would love to try Ralfy but unfortunately unavailable in Australia. Could you possibly review the blended whisky's you mentioned you were going to review but decided not to? Malt mention. ''Marvelous Marsupial Malt Maniacs''
Hi Ralfy, what's the difference between this addition with the black font in the label and the current batches with the blue font? Cheers
Wasn’t Ben Wyvis part of Invergordon distillery site. Shows that you can make Springbank quality whisky elsewhere.
Hope I can find a bottle of this some day. Where I'm at, Kilkerran is now just as rare as Springbank. I've never been disappointed with any other Kilkerran I've had to date, but I often wonder: Why? Why did Springbank open a separate distillery to produce what is arguably a rather small variation on what they already make? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad for the extra capacity to bring more whisky to market, but I still find it puzzling that they're marketing a whisky under a different name that's so similar to their original product. Why not just call it an expansion of Springbank's capacity and leverage their valuable brand recognition?
My understanding is that to qualify as a distinct whisky region an area needs to have at least 3 distilleries, and therfore Mr Mitchell took it upon himself to bring Glengyle into life to ensure the 'Campbeltown' status remained.
What version of the 16yo was this? They have different cask make-ups. Great video as always. Really went both barrels on the tasting notes!
. . .the 2022.
Judging my the ‘aged’ and ‘years’ been black font it will be either batch 1 2020 or batch 2 2021, font changed to a light blue colour for batch 3 2022.
@@gramdrams6499 Probably 2021 version given no tin
now it's out: the round table was really just a whisky butt, and all the knights did was whisky tasting 😂
I got a Kilkerran 12 for €35 a few years ago. Beautyful stuff. But this 16 is here now around €150. This is way to much....
Unfortunately here in Australia people are almost as mad about it as they are Springbank. Its hard to get. I managed to get a 12yo at a reasonable price but haven't seen another one since.
After your enthusiastic, even lyrical review I really had expected 90 points from you, Ralfy😅. As for me I have given this really nice malt 87 points as well though!😏
Now I got me a impression of Borboun maybe I should give that pesticide stuff called whisky a run, maybe so becuase this man makes me tempted.
Ralfys new rating scale is really throwing me off.
Likewise. Has he explained the change?
Yeah, basically his scores are 2-3 points lower than before
I mostly ignore the rating and just listen to what he says about it, and if it sounds interesting, I'll try for myself.
I am at a loss with how to take these ratings. And if there's recalibration should then adjust all reviews accordingly; else lesser whisky's have the same grade profile when looking at the history. In any event, I happened upon this whisky while traveling- a known good whisky shop that brings hard to find whisky's. Thought the lable said 116 but it was 169. A bit more than I like to pay, and while not worth it from a value perspective. It is a fantastic whisky. I'd say a 92 :)
90 points then!
As good as Springbank…10? 15? 18?
I’m sure it’s going to be better value than any of those age statements, so I’ll keep my peepers peeled.
Ralfy questions
1. You said it’s a banger than you give it just 87? As I have seen you give way more score to other whiskies which you did not rave about this much?
2. Is 140$ a good price?
. . . I am simply lowering marks to more realistic levels.
Hi, Ralfy. I have been a regular customer of Glenglassaugh Revival and Evolution. The latest bottle of Revival I purchased, they tricked me; previous bottles state: Non Chill Filtered and Natural Color. On the latest bottle, they cover the same "area" on the label with this: "Natural Cask-Imparted Colour"...and I did not notice thjs until I had opened the bottle. I sent an email to Glenglassaugh asking for an explanation, but after a week, I still have not been answered. Knowing what Brown Forman did to GlenDronach, I fear they have again destroyed a good whisky. Have you heard anything about this?
nah, this is a terrible terrible whisky! please don‘t buy! and if you already have some i will help you dispose of it. such a terrible whisky! 😉
Given the 12yo review is it worth hunting down the 16yo or just stick with the 12 and avoid the 'out of stock' messages everywhere I go
New Malt Mention: Malticklish Maltinkerers of Maltinique
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !
Got to disagree, the scavengers are fully aware of the 8 sherry/port releases, they are impossible to get for msrp now.
I'd also disagree with the 16 being their best release. The heavily peated releases from 4 onwards have been phenomenal. All the complexity of octomores at a third of the price
Ralfy, i always meant to ask you why you leave your mouth slightly open when you nose a whisky. Is it by habit or is the smell enhanced by doing so?
It's to not flood your nostrils with alcohol fumes that can overwhelm your sense of smell (and burn sometimes). It basically mixes more oxygen in which enhances perception of smell. Try it.
. . . an open mouth assist in nosing 'circulation'. Try it yourself.
You do know that The Lord of the Isles ruled over the Isle of Man. The Lord was based at Finlaggan on Islay.
so much for my 82 ;;; i hope it's not peaty ??
The 12 is nicer and better value imo
ralfy make a little sacrifice to your audition and buy an above 90 points whisky, warm greeting
Don't know why you wouldn't give us some basic info like batch and cask composition😒
Would like to try this, but the price here makes it just another one of those single malts to be placed on a wish list. Always enjoy your reviews, but perhaps you need to get back to reviewing those malts most of us can afford - you've made mention in a few of your other videos about not rewarding those distilleries that are attempting to cater to those speculators with deep pockets. Again, I do enjoy your reviews.
MM: mandatory manufactural malt
. . . now on the M-mention List, thanks !
Tegridy Bottling
Even now in Russia, during the sanctions period, you can buy a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old Kilkerran at a price of $ 78 and $ 115. There's even a $78 Longrow..😅
❤
I heard the Isle of Man is having gender dysphoria now and may change it's name to Isle of Woman. LOL !!!
Well thats f**ked it, the only reason you've not been nuked is I like Cal and Cav and the TT.
But come on mate give us malt Mates who have been able to buy this and the other Kilkerran offerings a chance, just say it's crap 🙂
Kilkerran 16 was $95 here in Cali and now it's $150 and the 12 was $60-ish and now $100. Neither are worth the current price. it was great stuff when it was the diamond in the rough and under the radar and was a cheaper alternative to Springbank but Pacific Edge Imports who is the U.S. distributor ruined it because they are controlling the prices here and are holding people hostage with Springbank and Glengyle stuff. good stuff but no longer worth the price it is. I'm glad I have about 20 bottles of Kilkerran and 40 Springbanks stashed from the past. I knew this was coming 3 years ago when the hype got huge and I bought a ton of it before the gouging
Springbank lost their integrity releasing a 5 y.o to the society members
Why not put out a 5yo fresh bourbon, recent previous releases were the 20yo LR and the SB28 with the combination of casks. How does releasing something from totally different sides of the whisky spectrum equal SB losing its integrity? All still integrity malt.
It's not a problem as long as it is accordingly priced. Which is doubtful these days but yeah.
So lecker 😍
So that's basically a *92*/100. 🤯🤯
Too bad it's SO unavailable! 😭