Kilkerran ‘Work In Progress’ 7 11 Year Old Bourbon Cask Single Malt Review

Courtesy of Kilkerran

There won't be much in the way of an intro for this one, you can check out previous Kilkerran reviews regarding the history of the brand.

What I will say is that I watched the Kilkerran 'Work in Progress' series from afar with much envy. The series was 7 releases, with the occasional double release at 46% and cask strength, that led up to the endgame of the 12 year old core statement from Kilkerran. 

This particular release is fully bourbon cask matured and I can remember the reviews on this being fantastic when it was released. I never thought I'd get to try it but I was able to purchase this bottle about half empty after a tasting at Belfast Whiskey Club and was delighted to be able to bring it home. 

It retailed for £50 on release if I remember correctly and I was able to bring the half bottle back home for about £30.

Let's taste!

Kilkerran WIP 7 11 Year Old Bourbon Cask 54.1% (£50)

Nose: Vanilla custard, honey and malt. Wet wool and slate. Green apples, peach and ground almonds. Warming smoke, an oily rag, lemon slices, mint humbugs and ginger too. Water brings out more lactic notes – buttermilk and crème fraiche. A hint of polish too.

Palate: A lovely, viscous mouthfeel to this. Vibrant & sweet on arrival. Vanilla, caramel, candied ginger and lemon. Biscuity malt along with a peppery bite. A little leather with dirty, sooty smoke and rubbed brass. Those green apples and slightly unripe peach notes are still there. Water brings out chalky minerality and black tea.

Finish: Medium to long with a sugary sweetness, lashing of oiliness and dirt and citrus zest.

Score: 8 out of 10

Overall: This was just a lovely, lovely dram of whisky. I can see why people literally bought and hid cases of this in the cabinets. It’s complex, it’s equal parts fresh and dirty, and it’s a rewarding dram to spend time with. My only complaint? That I didn’t hoard a few bottles of this when I potentially had the chance too.

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