In a mixing bowl blend kippers, cream cheese, unsalted butter, sherry with a heavy spoon or blend in food processor. Add cayenne pepper. Pack into a serving dish or mold; coat surface with melted butter. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving on melba toast or plain crackers.
The same basic recipe, with either less butter and more cream cheese, and with other seasonings - like horseradish sauce for strong tasting fish, or dill, or capers, can be used with tuna, salmon, smoked mackerel.