Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch No. 8 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch No. 8 delivers a bold and expressive Campbeltown whisky, where potent peat smoke and coastal minerality are artfully balanced by orchard fruit, tropical brightness, and creamy richness. At 58.4% ABV and bottled at cask strength, it’s a dynamic, layered dram with refined intensity

Origins & Composition

• This “Peat in Progress” release departs from Kilkerran's usual lightly peated profile—boasting around 45 PPM of peat and bottled consistently at cask strength.
  

• Typically matured in roughly 90% ex-bourbon and 10% ex-sherry casks, without chill filtration or added coloring.
  

Aromatics (Nose)

• Initially mineral and malty, with peat smoke immediately apparent. Develops into aromas of orchard fruit, apple blossom, and poached pears, enriched by a campfire ember note.
  

• Additional reviewers note buttery croissants, custard, bright orange, guava, lime, layered with vanilla and malt and a touch of farmyard funk.
  

• Another note describes it as “almost mezcal-like” with expressive smoky and zesty citrus presence.
  

Palate & Texture

• Distinctively thick and effervescent, this whisky unfolds with sweet orchard and stone fruits—nectarine, peach, mango, guava—balanced by lime zest and backdrop of cream and honey.
  

• Tasting notes also highlight custard, vanilla, subtle peat, and rich malt sweetness.
  

Finish

• Medium-to-long finish: lime sherbet, creamy guava, fading peat, charred oak, and dry hay, offering a lingering earthy and smoky aftertaste.
  

Highlights at a Glance

Community & Expert Impressions

• A midwestern reviewer on r/Scotch praised its balance: “The peat smoke is present throughout... but never dominates... strong lime and sweet stone fruit... nicely integrated, with great balance.”
  

• Malt‑Review likened the nose to mezcal, underlining its smoky intensity with citrus freshness.
  

• Alcohol & Aphorisms highlighted its “amazing balance of peat to base spirit to barrel ageing,” noting soft bourbon-driven sweetness supporting the smoke.
  

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to reveal deeper layers.

• An excellent match with smoked meats, grilled seafood, or blue cheeses—flavors that echo its smoky, salty, and fruit-forward profile.

Summary

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch No. 8 stands as an adventurous and well-balanced peated expression, capturing Campbeltown's maritime richness with smoky power and tropical fruit vivacity. Its depth, complexity, and nuance make it a standout among peated spirits.