This latest entry to our behind the barrel series focuses on the fascinating Kilkerran whisky. Behind the Barrel series is designed for our deep dives into the history and legacy of distilleries and their whiskies. 

Who are They?

Kilkerran are a whisky distiller from Scotland from the Campbeltown region, home to other distilleries of Springbank and Glen Scotia. Interestingly Kilkerran is not the name of distillery, it is the produced at the Glenglye distillery. The name of whisky produced is derived from the original Gaelic name of town it is based in. 

The actual name of Glengyle was already trademarked for blended highland malt at time of relaunch of the distillery, hence the name change been enforced. 

So who are Glenglye Distillery?

Founded in 1872, By William Mitchell. The Mitchell family ran and founded the Springbank Distillery, but a despite with brother John led to starting his own venture of Glenglye. 

In 1919, Glenglye distillery was acquired by Western Highland Malt Ltd, The early 20th century economical downturn that affected many distilleries, including Glenglye. In 1925 production ceased completely. 

The 75 Year Gap

Over the decades that past of the closure, Glengyle unlike some of its region counterparts remained in good shape from maintenance and use, local clubs and companies using the space and buildings. 

The turn of Millennium fortunes were about to change, as great great nephew of founder William, Hedley Mitchell purchased the company, whilst at the time  owning J&A Mitchell who own Springbank.  

A New Beginning 

Rebuilding the production lines and processes took 4 years before the first spirit in this new age for the distillery was distilled the Kilkerran Single Malt. It was not plain sailing as Hedley passed away in 2023, leaving the ownership of the company and distillery to 3 local trust funds to ensure the community would continue to benefit in his passing.