New Release: GlenGyle (Kilkerran) 2004-2016 12 Year Old Official Bottling 46%

A nice Campbeltown malt. GlenGyle (GLENGYLE) Kilkerran 2004-2016 12yo OB 46% The aroma has youthfulness but is elegant, with notes of orange, vanilla, white flowers, wax, a solid graininess, minerals, a faint peat, and a touch of sea breeze or brininess. When drinking, it's not harsh but slightly spicy, with orange peel, fruity sweetness and a good acidity, rich in minerals with a strong saltiness. The peat is more noticeable than the aroma, and there's a slight oak bitterness in the finish but also richness. [Good/Very Good] This is a new release of the official bottling from GlenGyle Distillery, labeled as Kilkerran. While there's no vintage date, since distillation began in 2004, this represents the longest maturation period from the first batch. Unlike previous work-in-progress releases, this feels like a completed product and is likely to be the new standard bottling. It seems to be mostly bourbon cask matured, with fruity and floral notes adding a sense of elegance. Given that it uses floor-malted barley from the same distillery as Springbank, which is also in Campbeltown, similar mineral and briny nuances are detectable. Compared to the current Springbank (which also produces Longrow), it's slightly milder, but the peat character is still distinct. Overall, the aroma profile is quite diverse. (Interestingly, I felt that the influence of Longrow production is indeed present in Springbank.) This release clearly showcases Campbeltown's unique characteristics, and I believe it has become a wonderful single malt. Looking forward to future releases.