Kirkinner 4 Year Old Tri Carragh 59.8% 70cl

Kirkinner 4 Year Old Tri Carragh 59.8% 70cl

An intriguing, mysterious and youthful single malt, released by independent bottler Tri Carragh under the name ‘Kirkinner’ (dig around a bit and you’ll discover it’s a pseudonym for Bladnoch single malts). It’s Lowland by name, but it doesn’t follow the traditional conventions of being light and bright. Instead you’ll find all manner of dark berry, peat smoke and meaty notes, all wrapped up in a maritime freshness. It’s been aged in second-fill Cheval Blanc barriques, finished in red wine octave casks, with the results then married together for three months. It’s a whisky that’s as unconventional as it is delicious.

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Sweet peat smoke and charred barbecue ribs dominate initially, followed by orange zest, polished leather and candle wax. The red wine influence brings dark berries and rich fruitcake notes, while the maritime spirit offers a subtle coastal freshness.

Palate: Rich and oily in texture. Smoked meats, roasted beef and red wine jus intertwine with dark cherries, blackberries and cracked black pepper. The combination of peat and wine casks creates remarkable depth for its age.

With Water: The smoke softens and becomes more reminiscent of smouldering oak embers. Dark fruits become more pronounced, joined by hints of sea air and dried herbs.

Finish: Long, savoury and smoky with lingering dark fruits and warming spice.