Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac vs Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne CognacKilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%)
DistilleryPhilbertKilkerran
RegionCampbeltown
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%57.1%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£50.95£47.95
Rating5.00/5

Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner90/100
Value0/100

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner30/100
Value100/100

Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%) is better value at £48 vs £51.

For beginners: Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£50.95 vs £47.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47.95 vs £50.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water

Who should buy Philbert?

Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Kilkerran?

Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Philbert Distiller Reserve 2017 Vintage Petite Champagne Cognac

VanillaFresh FruitCitricHoney

Only Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength (57.1%)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateSmokeyToasted

Explore more