Kingsbarns Distillery, nestled in the scenic East Neuk of Fife near St Andrews, Scotland, is a relatively new addition to Scotland’s whisky landscape. Founded in 2014 by the Wemyss family, that we already know here for their independent bottling activity, Kingsbarns was born from a vision to revive whisky-making traditions in an area rich with history but absent of distilleries for over a century. The distillery is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century farm steading, adding a sense of heritage and character to its modern operations.
Kingsbarns Doocot Review
The Kingsbarns Doocot is a single malt whisky made from 90% ex-bourbon cask maturation and 10% STR (shaved, toasted, and recharred) cask maturation. Bottled at 46% ABV, it is free from added colouring and chill filtration. This whisky is widely available, priced at approximately £43 in the UK and from €39 across Europe.
Colour:
Pale gold.
Nose:
Neat: Notes of vanilla, barley water, hay, and pear, with a subtle hint of spices. It feels youthful, but the low proportion of STR barrique influence keeps the spice well balanced and almost imperceptible, allowing the other aromas to shine.
Palate:
Neat: Spicier and hotter than anticipated, with a more pronounced influence from the STR cask. Notes of wood tannins, icing sugar, and brown sugar emerge, alongside a burst of citrusy lemon juice. The palate remains fruity and sweet, featuring peach, lemon, and green apple, complemented by vanilla and toffee. The mouthfeel starts off a bit thin but develops a creamier texture over time, with the STR influence becoming much more evident here.
Finish:
The finish is of medium length, with notes of wood bitterness, black pepper, and a hint of menthol.
Comments:
The Kingsbarns Doocot is youthful and fresh, with a well-balanced influence from the STR casks (thankfully, not overdone!) Despite the 46% ABV, the palate feels slightly thin, but overall, this Doocot delivers an easy-drinking, summery dram.
Rating: 6/10
Kingsbarns Balcomie Review
The Kingsbarns Balcomie is matured in ex-Oloroso sherry butts made from American oak and bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtration or added colouring. It is slightly more expensive than the Doocot, available from £45 in the UK or €43 in Europe.
Colour:
Old gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose opens with a touch of sulphur, giving it a slightly dirty character. Earthy and farmyard aromas emerge, alongside hints of cinnamon and the damp, musty scent of a mouldy dunnage warehouse. Dark and red fruits, such as blackcurrant and raspberries.
Palate:
Neat: The palate brings forward blackcurrant kir, complemented by spices like pepper and clove, offering a distinctly wine-like character. There are also notes of wood and caramel, reminiscent of cough syrup. The mouthfeel is creamy.
Finish:
The finish is marked by lingering spices, along with wood bitterness and a slightly prickly sensation.
Comments:
I’m somewhat surprised by the Kingsbarns Balcomie, as it wasn’t what I was expecting, with its earthy character and sulphur notes. I fear the whisky may be too unbalanced for my taste, and it seems the sherry casks used weren’t the best ones.