Cigar Spirits: Kilkerran Work In Progress 6 Sherry Matured

Once called the “Whiskey Capital of the World,” the number of whiskey distilleries in Campbeltown has dwindled from its peak of over 30. Today there are only three: Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle, the latter of which is where Kilkerran is distilled.

In fact, it has been suggested that Campbeltown (one of four major scotch whiskey regions along with Highlands, Lowland, and Islay) will be folded into the larger Highland region because of the small number of remaining Campbeltown distilleries. That dearth of Campbeltown distilleries is probably why I’m drinking Kilkerran today.

Glengyle, which calls its whiskey Kilkerran to distinguish it from Glengyle vatted whiskey (which is owned by another distillery), hadn’t produced whiskey since the 1920s until it resumed production in 2004 with the assistance of Springbank Distillery staff (whose owners are associated with Glengyle). Springbank is almost certainly motivated by the threat to the Campbeltown designation for its support of the relaunch of the Glengyle Distillery.

A regular-production Kilkerran Single Malt is due in 2016, but a few “Work in Progress” single malts have been released starting in 2009. That makes the Work in Progress 6, released earlier this year, a 10-year scotch aged exclusively, as the name suggests, in sherry casks. (A bourbon cask Work in Progress is also available.)

On the nose, Kilkerran is forward with its creamy sherry-ness, which is joined by a hint of pear. The palate features more rich sherry that hits the front and middle of the palate. Oak is apparent, too, as are dried fruits. The finish is more of the same with dates and sherry coating the roof of the mouth.

The 94-proof Kilkerran may be a “Work in Progress” in name, but it’s every bit a finished, well-rounded whiskey. It pairs perfectly with a fine Ecuadorian Habano-wrapped cigar like a My Father or CAO Concert, or if you want to go the Cuban route try a Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill.

Fans of sherry-forward single malt shouldn’t hesitate to pick up the Kilkerran Work In Progress 6 Sherry Matured, which retails for around $65. But even if you decide to pass on this limited offering (or you can’t find one of the limited bottles) definitely be on the lookout for the regular release when it comes out in 2016. I know that if they say this is only the work in progress, I can’t wait to pick up the finished product.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys