Glengyle distillery

Introduction to Glengyle Distillery

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Glengyle is a Scottish distillery located in the whisky town of Campbeltown, once known as the whisky capital of the world. This boutique operation represents one of only three active distilleries in this historic region, helping to revive Campbeltown’s illustrious whisky heritage.

The distillery produces the acclaimed Kilkerran Single Malt, a whisky that embodies the distinctive character of this unique whisky-making region.

Why we have a soft spot for Glengyle

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that maintain authentic production methods while creating exceptional spirits. Glengyle stands out for its traditional floor malting, long fermentation times, and commitment to non-chill filtration.

The distillery’s focus on quality over quantity results in a whisky that truly captures the essence of Campbeltown – oily, slightly maritime, with a gentle smokiness that distinguishes it from Highlands and Islay malts.

The Story Behind Glengyle

Origin and development

Glengyle’s story is one of resurrection. Originally founded in 1872 by William Mitchell, brother of Springbank’s founder, the distillery operated until 1925 when it fell victim to the industry-wide depression that hit Campbeltown particularly hard.

For nearly 80 years, the distillery lay dormant until 2004, when Mitchell’s Glengyle Ltd, led by Hedley Wright (great-great-nephew of William Mitchell), breathed new life into this historic site. This revival represented not just a business venture but a passionate effort to restore Campbeltown’s status as a recognized whisky region.

The people behind

Today, Glengyle operates under the same ownership as the neighboring Springbank distillery, with a small team of dedicated craftspeople overseeing every aspect of production. Each step in the process is carried out with meticulous attention to detail, preserving traditional methods that have largely disappeared from modern whisky production.

The team’s commitment to quality over quantity means Glengyle remains a relatively small-scale operation producing around 60,000 liters of spirit annually – a fraction of what many Highland or Speyside distilleries produce.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Glengyle’s production starts with Scottish barley, some of which is floor-malted at the nearby Springbank distillery, connecting the whisky to traditional methods largely abandoned by the industry. The grist is milled in a traditional Porteus mill before moving to a semi-lauter mash tun.

Fermentation is notably long at 70-110 hours, allowing for the development of complex fruity esters. Distillation takes place in one wash still and one spirit still, both with unique straight necks and descending lyne arms that contribute to Kilkerran’s distinctive oily character.

Maturation and aging

The spirit is filled into a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, ex-sherry butts, rum casks, and port pipes. Maturation occurs in traditional dunnage warehouses where the cool, damp conditions of Campbeltown provide ideal aging conditions.

Like its sister distillery Springbank, Glengyle practices non-chill filtration and avoids artificial coloring, allowing the natural character of the spirit to shine through in every bottle.

Selected Products from Glengyle

Kilkerran 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This flagship release is the perfect entry point to the Glengyle style. With notes of vanilla, oak spice, citrus peel, and a hint of smoke, this whisky delivers a balanced and characterful experience typical of Campbeltown malts. The 12 Year Old showcases the distillery’s commitment to traditional production methods with its natural oiliness and complex depth.

Kilkerran Heavily Peated – A bolder expression

For those seeking a more intense experience, the Heavily Peated release delivers a robust, smoky profile while maintaining the oily texture and maritime influence that defines Kilkerran. Expect notes of smoked meats, sea salt, dark chocolate, and medicinal hints – a powerful yet nuanced whisky that stands apart from Islay peat monsters while offering its own distinctive character.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Glengyle offers guided tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into traditional Scottish whisky production. Visitors can observe the entire process from malting to bottling, with the opportunity to taste several expressions of Kilkerran whisky afterward.

The intimate scale of the distillery makes for a particularly personal and educational experience, especially when compared to some of Scotland’s larger, more commercial operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glengyle Distillery?

Glengyle is a Scotch whisky distillery located in Campbeltown, Scotland, producing single malt whisky under the name Kilkerran. The distillery is one of only three active distilleries in Campbeltown and focuses on traditional production methods to create whisky with authentic regional character.

Where is Glengyle Distillery located?

Glengyle Distillery is located in Campbeltown, a small town on the Kintyre Peninsula in western Scotland. Once home to over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown is now represented by just three working distilleries: Springbank, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia.

What characterizes Glengyle’s whisky?

Kilkerran whisky from Glengyle is characterized by its medium body, slight oiliness, and balanced profile that typically features fruity notes, gentle minerality, and a hint of peat. The distillery’s commitment to traditional production methods, including non-chill filtration and natural coloring, results in a whisky with genuine depth and character.

Where can I buy whisky from Glengyle Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Glengyle Distillery (bottled under the Kilkerran name) at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select the best expressions – from the core range to limited editions – ensuring you have access to these distinctive Campbeltown malts.