There are whiskies you enjoy… and then there are whiskies you buy again. Kilkerran 12 Year Old is firmly in that second category for me. A lightly peated Campbeltown single malt with an oily texture, toasted marshmallow sweetness, and just the right amount of smoke — it’s a bottle I consistently reach for.
This whisky review explores why Kilkerran 12 has become a staple in my whisky cabinet, and what defines its Campbeltown identity.
About Kilkerran and Glengyle Distillery
Kilkerran is produced at Glengyle Distillery, which reopened its doors in 2004 after decades of silence. The name “Glengyle” couldn’t be used for the whisky because it was already associated with a Campbeltown blended whisky called Mitchell’s Glengyle Blend — a bottle that isn’t commonly found today.
Instead, the brand uses Kilkerran, derived from the Gaelic Ceann Loch Cille Chiarain, the original settlement that eventually became Campbeltown.
Like most Gaelic names, it’s a challenge to pronounce — and if you’ve ever struggled with whisky Gaelic, you’re not alone.
Because Glengyle is part of the same family as Springbank, it also benefits from shared traditions. Notably, the malted barley for Kilkerran 12 is peated and prepared at Springbank before being distilled at Glengyle.
About the Whisky
Style: Lightly peated Campbeltown single malt
Peat Level: 12–15 PPM
Maturation: 70% bourbon casks, 30% sherry casks
ABV: 46%
Chill Filtration: None
Colouring: None
The lower PPM means the smoke is subtle rather than dominant. It’s also worth remembering that peat intensity fades as whisky ages, so a lighter PPM at 12 years can be more expressive than expected.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Kilkerran 12 presents a pale straw colour that’s surprisingly light for a whisky matured in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks. The legs are thick and slow-moving, hinting at the oily, chewy mouthfeel that is so characteristic of Campbeltown malts. Even before nosing the glass, you can tell this whisky carries weight.
Kilkerran 12 Review TRANSCRIPT
Nose: The nose is where Kilkerran 12 first reveals its charm. Despite being lightly peated, the smoke is remarkably pronounced — not in a campfire, in-your-face way, but with a confident presence. It arrives alongside an inviting sweetness that immediately brings toasted marshmallows to mind, a signature note often associated with Kilkerran. Beneath that surface sweetness sits a gentle layer of leather and spice, adding depth and anchoring the aromatic profile in something richer and more grounded.
Palate: On the palate, the smoke softens considerably, slipping into the background as more vibrant flavours step forward. A bright citrus character emerges — something reminiscent of lemon cheesecake — followed by touches of vanilla, butterscotch, and orange peel. The spicy leather from the nose carries through, tying the palate together with a comforting warmth. What really sets the palate apart, though, is the texture: oily, dense, almost chewy. It’s the kind of mouthfeel that defines Campbeltown whisky and one of the reasons this bottle is so wonderfully moreish.
Finish: The finish lingers with a soft, persistent peat smoke that never overpowers. It gradually evolves into a dry, peppery note, balanced by a buttery sweetness that clings to the palate. There’s also a faint hint of salt — not in a maritime, briny sense, but more like the tiny pinch you add to a dessert to heighten the sweetness. It’s subtle, and you need to go searching for it, but it’s there. That coastal influence makes perfect sense given how close Campbeltown warehouses sit to the water.
Final Thoughts
Campbeltown may be one of Scotland’s smallest whisky regions, with only three active distilleries, but the whiskies from this area have a distinct signature: oily texture, balanced peat, fruit notes, and a faint coastal influence. Kilkerran 12 embodies all of these traits beautifully.
Kilkerran 12 Year Old is a whisky that earns repeat purchases. It’s balanced, expressive, subtly smoky, and packed with personality — all wrapped up in a texture that makes Campbeltown so beloved among enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring peat for the first time or looking for a dependable Campbeltown bottle to return to, Kilkerran 12 is an excellent choice.