Kilkerran Work in Progress #7 Sherry Wood

This is another sample for evaluation from a trip, provided by one of the founders. The Kilkerran 12 was excellent. Now, I'm intrigued by its origins, given this Work In Progress expression and the chance to experience it firsthand. The sherry aroma is immediately noticeable but not overwhelming. Expect dark fruits like figs, dates, and raisins. Hints of dried apricots and black cherries are also present. It's a very fruity nose. This is complemented by a sticky toffee and caramel sweetness, along with a mineral earthiness that ties the nose together. No single aroma dominates the others. It's a superb nose. Upon sipping, a brown sugar sweetness emerges, enrobing vanilla and black pepper. Nutty notes of walnut and almond, along with bitter chocolate, come through in the medium-bodied liquid. As time passes during the tasting, the sweetness intensifies. It improves with time and patience. A slightly spicy finish with cinnamon, Sriracha, oak, and orange bitters, followed by a hint of white pepper as it fades. The spiciness is more about flavor than intense heat, unlike a Ghost Pepper. Considering it's a work in progress, it surpasses most fully developed whiskies. The sweetness and spiciness are well-balanced. It provides a warming sensation throughout. It's a great whisky for a cold evening. The care and quality are evident, and looking ahead, the producers have crafted an excellent 12-year-old through learning and understanding what works. [88/100][Tasted: 12/18/17]

This sherry-wood-aged whisky is a final release from Kilkerran's "Work in Progress" series. The WIP line consisted of annual bottlings from Mitchell's Glengyle distillery before they had sufficient aged stock for the Kilkerran 12 debut last year. Compared to the main release, this early preview of their offerings was fully matured in sherry wood and is one to two years younger. It's also superior. Its scents offer a distinctly more intense, earthier peat, sometimes reminiscent of mezcal, alongside caramel. Its well-rounded palate blends heather and cherries with smoke, sherry, spice, and syrup. The smoke is prominent in the finish, like a bonfire of pine smoke and savory notes. This is challenging to locate now, but it was affordably priced upon its initial release.

This distillery is amazing, man. I considered the 12-year an absolute necessity, and this deserves to be right there with it. The aroma is dominated by sherry, balanced by the wood. Cherries, freshly cut grass, and more floral notes emerge with a couple of drops of water. The taste is great with a thick, oily mouthfeel, featuring cinnamon, spices, caramel, and dark fruit. The finish is also good! Thankfully not dry, and it reveals a woody toffee flavor combined with even more spice and sugar. A score of 4.0. An excellent drink and the theme should be "Sherry" by the Four Seasons.

Getting some samples of a new release brought to mind that I neglected to post a review for this one from last year. My scattered notes mention a delightful aroma, Christmas pudding, rum and raisin, crème brûlée, and a dry finish. That sounds like a four-star rating to me, though I did observe the texture was a bit watery. Eager to revisit the sixth release.

Smell: malty grain/cereals, vanilla, sweet orange and grape. Reminds me of Cream Soda. Taste: aggressive, apple, honey, spice and light peat Finish: medium sweet finish with some burnt ash at the end The aroma is incredible and the taste is a bit disappointing. It's young and somewhat harsh, but I love the Sherry influence. I need to try the 8-year Sherry Cask Strength.

Seven years into its 12-year journey in sherry casks. A work in progress from Glengyle. Incredibly complex and long-lasting with a smooth yet distinct character. Chewy but with a strong profile. Very light smoke. Dried citrus, wild strawberries, and sweet citrus. Fresh, approachable, and full-bodied. Clearly shows the character of the raw ingredients and has a chewy texture. Clean and fresh.