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Quick hit review. Compared to its older sibling, Kilkerran 8 is a raw and elemental single malt with substantially more 'oomph'. On the nose, I'm getting a potpourri of lime juice, oysters and sea salt, mingling with whiffs of a horse stable, pineapple and soot. Earthy, herbal and zesty notes come through. Lemon drops, brine and peat smoke kick off the palate, while water emphasizes sweet tropical fruits. It shows a surprising complexity for its young age. The medium to long finish lingers with grapefruit, anise and hints of ash. A powerhouse of a malt! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 88 pts → FIRST-CLASS

My conclusion regarding the previous batch: "That's exactly how I would make myself a young ex-Bourbon Kilkerran." I can shamelessly copy that for this batch.

Even fruitier and waxier than the previous batch, and not ss malty. Great stuff for only eight year old.

Less a journey in a glass, more simple, decent dram. With all that's going on in the world, managed to put a smile on my wizened chops. Well worth buying at the RRP.

88.5

It's both creamy and full-bodied, with a hint of citrus, lemon zest, grapefruit, a touch of iodine and limestone, white grapes and mirabelle plums, barley sugar, freshly cut young wood, smooth vanilla, toffee. Rustic grains, liquid honey, bergamot. On the palate, it's particularly successful, very oily and honeyed, rosewater, almonds, lychees, black pepper, clove. Long, very pleasant finish, a hint of peat, dry earth, gypsum, a few drops of tar, fermented white fruits, nuts. On the nose, I found it a bit classic, even timid; it's pure Kilkerran, without much originality, except for that unusual herbaceous note. On the palate, however, it's excellent, and the finish is also very good. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2026/06/kilkerran-8-yo-cask-strength-bourbon.html

If you thought the secret to Kilerran's eight-pack was in the sherry part, think again! This bourbon release is the true way to experience the zen of Kilkerran! Don't add water, it adds bitterness. A repeat of the success of the Batch #11 release, only even better! Why buy Springbank when you can buy Kilkerran for two or three times less? 22 23 22 22

When it comes to unusual whiskies, Islay might come to mind, but for truly exceptional whiskies, Campbeltown is more likely to spring to mind. And there, of course, there's Springbank – but also the Glengyle Distillery and the Kilkerran whiskies. Springbank is still overhyped, while Kilkerran is more readily available. These whiskies are also rare, as the distillery is only active for a few weeks, but they aren't as much of a focus for collectors. The 8-year-old is released in annual batches, is bottled at cask strength, and matures rather unspectacularly in ex-bourbon casks. Batch 12 was bottled in 2025 and was still readily available in online shops for €65-70 in mid-2026. glen-efze.de

Tried from a 2cl sample

I love Kilkerran, already for over 10 years. They make great stuff and allthough I am a fan of their sherry-cask releases, their down to earth bourbon casks are amazing. This one in special! It's... A bold and eccentric dram where sweet, herbal and savory notes collide with a quirky industrial edge. Juniper, smoked herbs and funky cheese-like depth weave through a creamy, slightly wild profile, finishing long with warmth, fruit, menthol freshness and a faint diesel-lavender twist. Unusual, expressive and surprisingly addictive :-)

Unfortunately, this batch isn't really to my taste. My nose still carries wonderful smells of espresso, smoke, machine hall and maritime sea air. Unfortunately, I then have way too much pepper, ginger, and gooseberry in my mouth...

A top-class whisky that will certainly be among the highlights of this year's ex-bourbon cask maturation. In my opinion, a few drops of water are very good for the whisky right from the start.

Can do with a lot of water, as well as without. Nice batch

Wow, what a fantastic Glengyle bottling! The pure bourbon maturation brings out wonderful fruity and savory aromas. It's fresh, crisp, and very drinkable. The various flavors are beautifully interwoven. The Campbeltown character really shines through. If you can't get your hands on Springbank 12 or find it too expensive, this is a great alternative. A definite must-buy if you're into pure bourbon maturations from Campbeltown.

During this Campbeltown tasting, six expressions were tasted that together provided a nice overview of the character and diversity of this iconic whisky region. The line-up consisted of: WB295658 Kilkerran 12 (2026) – 86 points WB293403 Kilkerran 8 (Batch 12) – 88 points WB293900 Longrow 100 Proof (Batch 2) – 85 points WB294212 Longrow 23 (Cadenhead's) – 88 points WB293494 Springbank 18 (2025) – 90 points WB270988 Springbank 30 (2025) – 88 points General impression It was a successful tasting in which both young and older expressions came into their own. For me, the Springbank 18 clearly stood out as the winner, followed by the Kilkerran 8 and the Longrow 23. The Springbank 30 was undoubtedly impressive, but at the same time raises questions about the price-quality ratio. Kilkerran 12 (2026) An accessible and honest whisky that delivers exactly what you would expect within its price range. Fresh on the nose, lightly peated, and friendly in character. Not particularly complex, but pleasant and well-balanced—a solid choice for everyday enjoyment. Kilkerran 8 (Batch 12) While the 12 is primarily mild, the 8 reveals a very different profile: powerful, full-bodied, and distinctly peated, with a lovely fruity undertone. An expressive whisky with plenty of character at an attractive price. Although the previous batch in particular was possibly even slightly more impressive, this remains a strong bottling. Longrow 100 Proof (Batch 2) This expression lags somewhat behind compared to the rest of the lineup. It lacks a clear focus and fails to truly excel anywhere. Certainly not bad, but not memorable either. Compared to the earlier Longrow RED series, this bottling feels like a step backward, although it must be said that that line itself was already showing signs of decline in the last (7-year-old) release. Longrow 23 (Cadenhead's) Here, a clear step up is taken in terms of complexity and depth. The age is clearly noticeable, with a refined balance between fruitiness and a light wine-like finish, despite the influence of sherry. An elegant and interesting whisky, although a slightly higher alcohol percentage would have given it extra power. The price is steep, and although the quality is high, there may be alternatives in this segment with a better price-quality ratio. Springbank 18 (2025) The absolute standout of the tasting. This whisky convincingly combines complexity, balance, and character. The subtle sharpness adds extra tension and makes it particularly captivating. Although this expression has become pricey by now, the price-quality ratio remains excellent. A bottle that is absolutely worth having—and opening. Springbank 30 (2025) An impressive, old whisky with a soft, round, and refined profile. Everything is right, but the price places this expression far out of reach for most enthusiasts. It raises the question of where the line lies between maturation and added value. Nevertheless, it remains a special experience to be able to taste this whisky. Conclusion Based purely on taste, the battle for me would be between the two Springbanks. Even without considering price, the 18 is my preference due to its liveliness and tension. Nevertheless, the 30 remains a unique experience—a whisky you won't soon forget. And should the chance arise to drink a glass of it again, it is undoubtedly a moment to cherish.

The malt has steadily improved in the two months since opening. Initially, compared to the previous batch #11, I was bothered by the pronounced bitter aftertaste. This has changed over time and is now very well integrated. [88~91] complex, interesting, fun, I can spend more time with it, "want it" :-D

A very positive surprise. I didn't expect the bourbon barrels to have such a positive impact on the distillate.

A punchy and bourbon driven Campbeltown bomb. A treasure to be more precise. This, obviously, is an example of what whisky industry is capable to deliver if the will is there. Thanks a lot to the honest and dedicated Kilkerran team!

Bold and remarkably drinkable at full strength. Water brings out lighter tropical fruit notes against an unusual array of kerosene, wax, and workshop aromas. A captivating dram that feels like opening a new chapter, though a 2cl sample leaves plenty left to untangle.

Nose: All the funk—garage, machine room, very reminiscent of Hazelburn 10, though with slightly more fruity notes. I also pick up some nuts, particularly almond and macadamia. There's a touch of peat as well, but it feels more like Highland peat than Islay peat. More ash, tar, and asphalt notes, subtly integrated. Palate: Oh yes, even more funk, but certainly more fruit as well, such as pear and lychee. The nuttiness makes a return too. It handles the 57.7% ABV exceptionally well, though it opens up beautifully with a little water. Finish: Primarily the nutty notes linger, as if I had just eaten some salted peanuts and macadamia nuts. The funk also hangs around nicely and even reappears 30–60 seconds after swallowing. Overall: 89/100 It also reminds me a lot of Benromach 2014 Cask Strength Batch 3, which is very, very high praise.

What stands out in this edition is the combination of the Bourbon cask and its very sweet and deep caramel, then the original Werthers, the fruits, especially the citrus fruits and their peels more than fruit, and the discreet peat smoke. Nose Fresh and vibrant with notes of elderflower and heather. These are complemented by vanilla, caramel, and malt. In the background, subtle hints of lightly salted Iberian ham and a touch of earthy peat smoke. Mouth Powerful yet creamy on the palate. Ripe pineapple and citrus zest meet vanilla cream and malt biscuits. The influence of the bourbon cask brings a pleasant sweetness, while subtle peat smoke and a slightly salty, maritime note integrate perfectly. The finish is magnificent with black pepper, juniper berries and a sea breeze around the smoke. What tension and what character! Superb for such a young distillate. The single malt has matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, giving it a clear, fresh aroma and a wonderfully creamy texture. 89/100

August 2026 Rare whisky 229,000

Kilkerran always delivers a superb bang for buck and one of the most solid distillates out there. Lovely young bourbon notes. Cream side, Granny Smith apple and dusty pencil shavings. Very tropical on the palate. Lots of pineapple, guava and stewed pears. This is really good.

Sweet barley sugar, caramel popcorn, grilled ananas, strawberry cream yoghurt, cheesecake and papaya. Wonderful whisky! For a 8 year old whisky this doesn't get any better. Great value for money.

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Tried blind. First Kilkerran I've tried. Aroma - Very rich, syrupy sweet, a little smoke, rubber, lots of citrus, pineapple, mango, vanilla syrup, burnt wood, a little grassiness, mead, sweet orange, mango peel, vanilla cake, lime, salt water, tangerine candy, sweet slightly medicinal grassiness, sour lemon candy. The taste is sweet, but quite calm, strong, some creamy notes, caramel, lots of citrus, lemon and orange, sweet vanilla syrup, vanilla cake, some spices, condensed milk with white raisins, protein cream, mango shake, fresh wood. Finish - Medium length, sweet, rich, noticeable very dry oak, a bit of creaminess, lots of vanilla and white raisins. Empty glass - fresh bright multifruit juice. I blindly thought that this was one of the single cask bourbon releases from Benromach))

A forest industrializes, the sea crashes in, and everything explodes into peat, oil, and salt.

A near perfect dram, considering its official price. A Must buy. Gets out of stock quickly. Don't hesitate. You owe yourself to try this beauty.