Today, join us as we review the first two batches of Kilkerran 8 sherry. One things for sure...these are way too young! Join us on Patreon @ / topshelfwhisky
The only Kilkerran which I have tried is the standard 12yo. I like it quite a lot, especially at it's price point (60€). We don't get any Cambeltown whisky in Finland (except for some bars) so I'm totally at the mercy of online retailers (currently wondering if I should buy Springbank 15yo 2022 at 180€). It's great to see you guys giving honest, critical reviews of whiskies that get sold-out and (over)hyped quickly. It's surprisingly rare sight to see.
I have the 1st release 57.1 The first time I tried it, I really liked it. Afterwards it dropped off and I would agree with your tasting notes. At most, I would give it an 84-85. I won't be seeking other releases. Great review.
Yeah, I’ve been lucky enough to try all the sherried KK8 year olds. The 56.9 is wonderfully funky. I bought a few. The 57.1 was forgettable for me. The latest 57.5 is really good (bottle currently open) as is the 2022’s 58.1. 👍🏻
Awesome comparison guys. I missed out on both of these but I’ve never quite been able to get my head around Kilkerran anyway. “Golden Corral steak sauce” LOL 😂
The 56.9 really grew on me over time. Initially I liked the 57.1 better, but the funky notes on the 56.9 and the way it opened up over time gave it the lead for me. I might like the latest 58.1 best of the three though... Probably time for a side by side by side...
Nice review as usual gentlemen. You really should try the new Kilkerran 8 years old Bourbon cask (11/2022 at 55.8%) which is excellent and represents the core of this superb distillery (even if there is a slight decline in some of their products) ! Cheers
@@topshelfwhisky Bourbon (even 8 year old) with higher abv has always been a better option when buying a Kilkerran than the sherry editions. Besides you weren't very fond of both the last 12 year and 16 year 😉
yup, I own both these bottles and I think as a whole the Kilkerran 8 CS, or at least the sherry variants, got really hyped up for reasons beyond my understanding. I like both, would probably view both as being in the 85 to 87 range. I prefer the standard 12 to both. Also gentlemen...yay or nay on Longrow 21, 2020 edition at $400 ($428 after tax)? Bottle is being held for me for a few days and I'm trying to get some feedback on it. Tried the 2019 and thought it was good, just not $500 good. Generally heard better things about the 2020, plus I'll never find it cheaper. Cheers!
@@topshelfwhisky was always one of your top 5 disappointments and I got it for under 300... For me the 21 is a pass, I think i scored that a 90 and I regret it. More of an 89 or even 88 dare I say. I think we had keith in that review too, but again it was a fresh crack and we were hyped on it.
ha! love the polarized opinions. I'm thinking on it. I also sampled the single cask PX Laphroaig that Warehouse Liquors in Chicago got. Great stuff, not sure from one dram if it deserves the $260+ but I've done worse at that price. keep an eye out for those they seem to be popping up.
It makes a strong case for decanting & aeration. Being a defacto Springbank, and there being something like a blind faith cult developed around all things Springbank ("You know they label their own bottles" 🤣), Kilkerran can pretty much get away with bottling anything these days.
That’s a good note, have to go back and try to find it. Ever try Ardbeg 21? It was around Columbus for a while. Anyway, that had a butter popcorn note… love to find that note in other whiskies.
The only Kilkerran which I have tried is the standard 12yo. I like it quite a lot, especially at it's price point (60€). We don't get any Cambeltown whisky in Finland (except for some bars) so I'm totally at the mercy of online retailers (currently wondering if I should buy Springbank 15yo 2022 at 180€). It's great to see you guys giving honest, critical reviews of whiskies that get sold-out and (over)hyped quickly. It's surprisingly rare sight to see.
I have the 1st release 57.1 The first time I tried it, I really liked it. Afterwards it dropped off and I would agree with your tasting notes. At most, I would give it an 84-85. I won't be seeking other releases. Great review.
Yeah, I’ve been lucky enough to try all the sherried KK8 year olds. The 56.9 is wonderfully funky. I bought a few. The 57.1 was forgettable for me. The latest 57.5 is really good (bottle currently open) as is the 2022’s 58.1. 👍🏻
Awesome comparison guys. I missed out on both of these but I’ve never quite been able to get my head around Kilkerran anyway. “Golden Corral steak sauce” LOL 😂
The 56.9 really grew on me over time. Initially I liked the 57.1 better, but the funky notes on the 56.9 and the way it opened up over time gave it the lead for me. I might like the latest 58.1 best of the three though... Probably time for a side by side by side...
I liked the 57.1 the most, but both definitely need water to show their good sides
Nice review as usual gentlemen. You really should try the new Kilkerran 8 years old Bourbon cask (11/2022 at 55.8%) which is excellent and represents the core of this superb distillery (even if there is a slight decline in some of their products) ! Cheers
More 8 year old whisky? Maybe.
@@topshelfwhisky Bourbon (even 8 year old) with higher abv has always been a better option when buying a Kilkerran than the sherry editions. Besides you weren't very fond of both the last 12 year and 16 year 😉
the last bourbon one was pretty decent, we'll see about prices.
yup, I own both these bottles and I think as a whole the Kilkerran 8 CS, or at least the sherry variants, got really hyped up for reasons beyond my understanding. I like both, would probably view both as being in the 85 to 87 range. I prefer the standard 12 to both. Also gentlemen...yay or nay on Longrow 21, 2020 edition at $400 ($428 after tax)? Bottle is being held for me for a few days and I'm trying to get some feedback on it. Tried the 2019 and thought it was good, just not $500 good. Generally heard better things about the 2020, plus I'll never find it cheaper. Cheers!
I say yes, go for the LR21. That’s solid pricing and my palate for LR is growing.
@@topshelfwhisky was always one of your top 5 disappointments and I got it for under 300...
For me the 21 is a pass, I think i scored that a 90 and I regret it. More of an 89 or even 88 dare I say. I think we had keith in that review too, but again it was a fresh crack and we were hyped on it.
ha! love the polarized opinions. I'm thinking on it. I also sampled the single cask PX Laphroaig that Warehouse Liquors in Chicago got. Great stuff, not sure from one dram if it deserves the $260+ but I've done worse at that price. keep an eye out for those they seem to be popping up.
😂Kilkkeran is a great whisky… Not sure why you guys don’t like it?
It makes a strong case for decanting & aeration.
Being a defacto Springbank, and there being something like a blind faith cult developed around all things Springbank ("You know they label their own bottles" 🤣), Kilkerran can pretty much get away with bottling anything these days.
I definitely got movie popcorn with butter on KK8.
That’s a good note, have to go back and try to find it. Ever try Ardbeg 21? It was around Columbus for a while. Anyway, that had a butter popcorn note… love to find that note in other whiskies.
One day you’ll stumble on a KK that you like… but not today 😂 I have an unopened recharred - perhaps I need to sell it if there is still value!
Get a well rounded opinion but I would reallocate those dollars.
Don't sell, keep an opened mind and enjoy....it's a really good dram