The Kilkerran Open Day 2018 8-Year-Old is a highly sought-after single malt from the Glengyle Distillery in Campbeltown. Matured entirely in re-charred sherry casks, it was bottled exclusively for the 2018 festival at a robust cask strength of 58.4% ABV. It is non-chill filtered and contains no added colouring.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and luscious with dense dark fruit aromas like prunes, figs, and crushed grapes. This is balanced by the classic Campbeltown funk, moist forest floor, old shoe polish, and a soft, lingering industrial smoke. With time, notes of dark chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and sweet caramel emerge.

Palate: Full-bodied, spicy, and mouth-coating. Initial flavors of sweet grapes, blackberries, and black cherries are met with savory, earthy notes. Subtle coastal influences like brine and sea salt shine through alongside hints of nutmeg, black pepper, and bitter cocoa.

Finish: Medium-long and slightly dry, featuring lingering dark berries, burnt candy, and a pleasantly soot-influenced, earthy malt character.

Because it is a cask strength expression, adding a few drops of water can help unlock sweeter, fruitier notes like cherry bakewell and vanilla sponge, while mellowing the spices and peaty influence.