Glengyle Distillery Kilkerran Work in Progress White Label 1st Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A highly collectable first release from Mitchell's Campbeltown project.

In 1998 the Scotch Whisky Association decided to cease referring to Campbeltown as a whisky region. Two distilleries (Springbank & Glen Scotia) simply weren't enough. Prompted to restore the Peninsula's reputation, Hedley Wright, the owner of Springbank envisioned Glengyle as a project to cement Campbeltown as a whisky region proper, rather than just an extension of the Lowlands. Founded in 1872, closed in 1925 and bought back to life in 2004, Glengyle Distillery is just three minutes walk from Springbank in the heart of Campbeltown. It has quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, characterful malts that routinely sell out. This offer features a treasure trove of the distillery's long-forgotten bottlings from a private collection. The colour-coded range is at first confusing. Briefly, the first Kilkerran whisky, titled 'Work in Progress' was released in 2009. As the series rolled out, WIPs 5, 6 and 7 included Sherry and Bourbon variants. The label continued until 2016 when the progress was complete, culminating in the now general release 12 year old. In 2017, an 8 year old cask strength edition was added and the slightly more common 'Heavily Peated' bottlings have followed. Imagine what a young 'work in progress' Springbank would fetch at auction today and that's pretty much what you are getting access to here. Do not expect a collection like this to re-surface anytime soon.

Notes from the producers... Nose: An initial burst of sweetness leads you into a fruity, spicy aroma with a hint of phenols and smoke at the end. Palate: Cloves, more fruity sweetness. Still a Work in Progress this whisky is already lively, zesty and full of flavour. A classic Campbeltown whisky, Kilkerran reveals a briny, smokey character on the palate. Very creamy and oily. Finish: The sweetness lasts all the way to the finish as vanilla flavours linger on your tongue.