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Kilkerran is a Campbeltown single malt Scotch whisky produced at the Glengyle Distillery, one of the most historic yet recently revived distilleries in Scotland. Founded in 1872 by William Mitchell, Glengyle operated until 1925 before closing during the interwar period, a time when Campbeltown’s once-thriving whisky industry declined sharply. For decades, the distillery lay silent, with its buildings repurposed for various non-whisky uses.

In 2004, Glengyle was brought back to life by Mitchell’s Glengyle Ltd., a sister company to the famous Springbank Distillery, under the guidance of Hedley G. Wright, the great-great-nephew of the original founder. This revival was not only a significant moment for the distillery itself but also for Campbeltown, as it restored the town’s status as one of Scotland’s officially recognised whisky-producing regions.

The whisky from Glengyle is bottled under the Kilkerran name, a nod to the original Gaelic name for Campbeltown, Ceann Loch Cille Chiarain. The name helps avoid confusion with an existing brand that already held rights to the Glengyle name.

Kilkerran’s production is traditional and deliberately small-scale. The distillery uses Scottish malted barley (often sourced from nearby Springbank’s floor maltings), traditional copper pot stills, and worm tub condensers, resulting in a spirit with weight and character. Fermentation is long, encouraging the development of fruity esters, and distillation is slow, allowing for precision in spirit cut.

Maturation takes place entirely in Campbeltown, with the cool, salty coastal climate playing a key role in shaping the whisky’s profile. Kilkerran typically matures its spirit in a mix of ex-bourbon barrels and sherry casks, with occasional use of rum, port, or wine casks for special releases.

Flavour-wise, Kilkerran combines Campbeltown’s signature maritime saltiness with citrus brightness, gentle peat, and oily malt richness. Younger bottlings tend to be vibrant and slightly briny, while older examples develop deeper oak spice, honey, and waxy texture. Even heavily peated versions retain a clean, structured backbone, with smoke complementing rather than overpowering the spirit.

Kilkerran has quickly earned a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts for its honesty and authenticity. All expressions are non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, ensuring the whisky remains as close as possible to how it leaves the cask. The distillery’s ethos is about balance, respecting tradition while continuing to experiment within the framework of classic Campbeltown style.

Our Kilkerran selection includes both the core 12 Year Old and limited, cask strength releases, along with peated editions that offer a modern twist on Campbeltown heritage. Whether you’re exploring this whisky region for the first time or adding to an established collection, Kilkerran delivers a compelling taste of Campbeltown’s past, present, and future, a revival story told through the glass.