Glengyle Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glengyle single malt Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s youngest yet most historically significant distilleries, located in Campbeltown, once known as the “Whisky Capital of the World.” Originally founded in 1872 by William Mitchell, a member of the family behind Springbank Distillery, Glengyle was part of Campbeltown’s whisky boom in the late 19th century. However, like many distilleries in the region, it fell silent in the early 20th century due to changing market demands and economic decline, closing its doors in 1925.

For nearly eight decades, Glengyle remained dormant, its buildings repurposed for other uses. The name lived on, but no whisky was produced until 2004, when Hedley Wright, a descendant of the Mitchell family and owner of Springbank, revived the distillery. This reopening was significant, as it allowed Campbeltown to regain its status as one of Scotland’s officially recognised whisky regions, which requires at least three operating distilleries.

Today, Glengyle produces its single malt under the Kilkerran brand name, as the Glengyle trademark was already owned by another company. Kilkerran has quickly built a reputation among whisky lovers for its combination of traditional production methods and distinctive Campbeltown character.

The distillery’s production process is firmly rooted in tradition. Water is sourced from Crosshill Loch, and lightly peated malted barley is used, giving the spirit a subtle smoky backbone. Fermentation is long and carried out in wooden washbacks, producing a wash rich in fruity and malty flavours. Distillation takes place in copper pot stills with a configuration designed to create a medium-bodied spirit, oily, robust, and layered, yet approachable.

Maturation is done entirely in Campbeltown’s maritime climate, with a mix of bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and occasional wine casks. This coastal ageing environment imparts a salty tang and mineral edge to the whisky, complementing the malt’s natural fruit and light smoke.

The core Kilkerran range includes:
• Kilkerran 12 Year Old - a benchmark Campbeltown dram with citrus, vanilla, malt, and a hint of coastal brine and peat.
• Kilkerran Heavily Peated - a bolder, smokier expression showcasing the distillery’s versatility.
• Annual “Work in Progress” and special cask-finished releases that have charted the distillery’s development since its reopening.

Independent bottlings of Glengyle/Kilkerran are rare, as the vast majority of production is released directly by the distillery. Collectors and enthusiasts particularly prize the earlier limited editions from the first decade of production, which offer a fascinating snapshot of the distillery’s evolution.

On the nose, Kilkerran typically presents lemon zest, green apple, malt biscuit, and a faint wisp of smoke. The palate is balanced, with sweet malt, gentle peat, coastal salt, and sometimes a nutty or grassy note. The finish is medium to long, with lingering malt sweetness and a touch of spice.

Our Glengyle Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection, under the Kilkerran label, offers a chance to experience the rebirth of a historic Campbeltown name. Whether you’re exploring the region for the first time or adding a distinctive coastal malt to your collection, Glengyle delivers tradition, authenticity, and a flavour profile firmly rooted in its maritime home.