Origin of Kilkerran and the way of making whisky

Kilkerran Distillery

In the world of Scotch whiskies, there are some names that resonate like a bell of authentic craftsmanship and heritage. One of these names is Kilkerran, a distillery with a rich history and a unique story behind its creation. Let's dive into the history of this special distillery and discover what makes it so special.
 

The Origins of Kilkerran

The story of Kilkerran begins in the 19th century, in the small coastal town of Campbeltown on the west coast of Scotland. Campbeltown was once a thriving whisky-producing centre, with more than thirty distilleries known for their characterful and often heavily peated whiskies. One of these distilleries was Glengyle.

Glengyle was founded in 1872 by William Mitchell, a member of a family with a long history in the whisky industry. The distillery thrived for many years, but like many others in Campbeltown, it began to suffer from economic downturns and changing market conditions. In 1925 Glengyle closed its doors and fell victim to the ravages of time.

Decades passed and Campbeltown slowly lost its status as a whisky capital. But in 2000, new life arose in Glengyle thanks to the efforts of independent bottler Mitchell's Whisky Company, run by William Mitchell's great-grandsons.
 

The Rebirth of Glengyle as Kilkerran

In 2004, after almost 80 years of inactivity, Glengyle began distilling again. But instead of restoring the old name, it was decided to rename the distillery to Kilkerran, named after an old distillery that had once stood in Campbeltown. This was not only a tribute to the region's past, but also a way to open a new chapter for whisky production in Campbeltown.

Reopening a distillery after such a long period of closure was no easy task. It required significant investment and dedication to preserving traditional production methods, combined with a commitment to quality and innovation.

Kilkerran Manufacturing Process

What makes Kilkerran so special is not only its history, but also the way it produces its whisky. Kilkerran's production process combines traditional methods with modern techniques to create whiskys of exceptional quality.

Malting: Like many other Scottish distilleries, the process begins with malting barley. However, Kilkerran uses a combination of hand-turned malting floors and modern malting machines to produce a consistent and high-quality malt.

Mixing and Brewing: The malted barley is then mixed with hot water to release the sugars, after which the mixture is fermented using wild yeasts. These wild yeasts contribute to the unique flavor profiles of Kilkerran whiskies.

Distillation: After fermentation, the mixture undergoes a double distillation in traditional copper pot stills. This slow distillation adds to the complexity and depth of the resulting spirit.

Maturation: The new spirit is then transferred to barrels for maturation. Kilkerran uses a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, as well as some special casks for experimental releases. This maturation takes place in the humid coastal environment of Campbeltown, which contributes to the whisky's unique flavor and character.

Blending and Bottling: After years of maturation, the barrels are carefully selected and blended to achieve the desired flavor profile. The whisky is then bottled at the distillery, ensuring each bottle contains a piece of Campbeltown heritage.
 

Kilkerran Heritage

While Kilkerran has its roots in the past, it also looks to the future. The distillery continues to experiment with new techniques and innovations, while staying true to the traditional methods that give it its unique character.

Every bottle of Kilkerran whisky tells a story of artisan craftsmanship, dedication and passion. From the hand-turned malt to the slow distillation and careful maturation, every step in the process contributes to the complexity and depth of the final spirit.

So the next time you open a bottle of Kilkerran, think about the story behind the whisky. A story of rebirth, tradition and continuous innovation. A story that continues to evolve, just like the whisky itself.

Kilkerran Work in Progress embodies the continued progress and innovation of Glengyle Distillery and remains a sought-after choice for craft Scotch whisky enthusiasts.