St. Kilian 4yo, Private Cask, Ambassador's Choice No. 5, 2017-2022
ABV: 50.1%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Madeira Rum Casks (#1354, #1355, 1,380 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Immediately lots of tropical fruit notes on the nose with pineapple and coconut chips, complemented by peach, yellow plum and honeydew melon. Mild, aromatic and soft with a touch of oak spice in the background.
Palate: Also mild and fruity on the palate with tropical fruit notes, pineapple, peach and melon, complemented by creamy toffee, vanilla and sweet honey.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting with fruity pineapple, yellow plums and creamy honey, perfectly rounded off by a subtle dry oak spice and a touch of dark caramel.
With water: With water, the tropical fruit notes on the nose become even more intense. The palate continues to be fruity with peach and pineapple, complemented by creamy honey, but also clearly spicier oak notes. The fruity finish is still long-lasting with dry notes of oak and some dark caramel.
Comments: This mild single malt convinces with a wonderful bouquet of tropical fruits, peach, coconut and vanilla. Creamy sweet, seductively fruity and dangerously quaffable. The alcohol is perfectly integrated, so that the addition of water is not necessary at all. Very well chosen, Olli!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, Hand-Filled, ex-Sherry PX, 2017-2021
ABV: 60.2%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Sherry PX Cask (#1527)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: Immediately, sweet peat smoke rises to the nose, accompanied by sherry aromas, BBQ notes and grilled dates wrapped in bacon. An intensely sweet-smoky aroma with perfectly integrated alcohol.
Palate: Full-bodied, powerful and intense on the palate with a wonderful sherry sweetness and brown sugar. In addition, notes of grilled ham with honey glaze and ripe plums arrive. This is all perfectly wrapped in delicate peat smoke. Gorgeous!
Finish: The finish is endlessly long, warming and wonderfully creamy with jammy fruit of ripe plums. This is joined by notes of spicy oak, some dry ash with a hint of allspice, leaving you with fruit sweetness.
With water: After the addition of water fresher and more intense on the nose with lots of sherry aroma, plum fruit and a little less peat smoke. More lively and prickling on the palate with sherry and fruit sweetness, a little more spicy notes and less smoke. The finish is long, less warming and noticeably drier with ash notes, oak and less fruit jam.

Comments: This hand-filled bottling is incredibly intense with a concentrated melange of sherry, sweetness, BBQ notes and lots of creamy fruit. Perfectly wrapped in lingering peat smoke. A full-bodied bottling where you have to look twice at the label to realise that this single malt is only four years old. An excellent peated new make spirit, matured in a great PX-cask! Well done folks.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!

 


St. Kilian 4yo, Ungarische Eiche, 2018-2022
ABV: 60.5%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Hungarian Virgin Oak Cask (#2013)

 

Colour: Very dark amber.
Nose: Immediately, notes of smoked ham arrive on the nose, followed by fruity cherries and prunes. All wonderfully wrapped in peat smoke. Behind this, vanilla and a discreet herbal note, primarily mint, emerge.
Palate: Sweet on the palate with dark caramel, raisins and vanilla cream followed by almost sticky dark fruit jam. Wonderfully mouth-filling with warming alcohol and wrapping peat smoke.

Finish: The finish is long lasting with dark caramel, dry oak, ashy smoke and a subtle herbal note.
With water: Slightly fresher on the nose with toffee and plum after adding water. The peat smoke is more present, whereby the fruit sweetness is pushed somewhat into the background. Sweetness, smoke and caramel on the palate, with lots of plums, raisins and vanilla cream. Slightly less warming. The finish is still long and creamy with jammy fruit, a touch of smoke and some dark chocolate.

Comments: A powerful and multi-layered bottling from St. Kilian Distillers, which was allowed to mature for four years in fresh Hungarian oak. The result is a full-bodied single malt with dark fruit notes, creamy vanilla sweetness and warming peat smoke with very well-integrated alcohol.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!

 


St. Kilian 3yo, Kiliani Edition "Gosbert", 2022
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Bacchus/Scheurebe White Wine Casks (1,200 btl.)

 

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Very fruity, almost beguiling on the nose with ripe apricots and peaches. This is joined by notes of sweet vanilla cream and a little almond, followed by a hint of mint.
Palate: Very fruity with lots of sweetness from juicy apricots and peaches, accompanied by white wine aromas. Added to this are creamy vanilla and a subtle warming oak spice with fine tannins.
Finish: The finish is long, rich and pleasantly warming with wine aromas, spicy oak, fine tannins and a dry touch of white grape skins and pink grapefruit.
With water: After adding water, still fruity on the nose with a little less vanilla but more oak spice. Fruity and fresh on the palate with a distinct spicy note of oak and white pepper. The finish is still long but much drier with oak and noticeable tannins.

Comments: This second Kiliani bottling in honour of the patron saint of the German distillery St Kilian Distillers captivates with its beguiling fruity bouquet, which is reflected on the palate with a beautiful balance of wine aromas, oak spice and fine tannin structure. A very tasty and enjoyable bottling, which for this reason was already sold out within a few days. Chapeau!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Private Cask, Ambassador's Choice No. 4, 2017/2018-2022
ABV: 60.6%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Rum/Rhum Casks (#1204, #2585, #3187, #3208, 800 btl.)

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: Vibrant rum aromas with a beguiling scent of tropical fruits, pineapple, peach and banana, interplaying with sweet molasses and vanilla cream as well as a subtle tobacco note in the background.
Palate: Seductively sweet and tropically fruity with vanilla, pineapple, pear and baked bananas. At the same time intense and warming with spicy oak, a pinch of white pepper and a hint of tobacco towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long with creamy sweet fruit jam accompanied by dark chocolate, warming oak notes and a hint of tobacco.
With water: After the addition of water, clearly more lively and prickling on the nose with bold rum aromas, tropical fruit notes and creamy vanilla. Continues to be fruity on the palate, with creamy vanilla and more spicy notes, followed by oak and dark chocolate. The finish is still long and creamy. Becomes increasingly dry with notes of dark chocolate, spicy oak and a hint of tobacco leaves.
Comments: As a St. Kilian Ambassador, I was privileged to create this powerful rum bomb myself. The top note consists of intense single malts, matured in former rum barrels from Jamaica, with their many fruit esters and spicy notes. This is rounded off with the creamy fruit jam and sweet vanilla and dry notes from the single malts that were allowed to mature in former rum casks from Puerto Rico and in Rhum Agricole casks. A true explosion of flavour for nose and palate alike.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 3yo, Hand-Filled, ex-Rum Puerto Rico, 2018-2022
ABV: 60.0%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Rum Puerto Rico Cask (#2585, appr. 480 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Classic, intense aromas of rum made from molasses, with tropical fruits like pineapple and banana. This is accompanied by sweet vanilla and a hint of spicy notes in the background.
Palate: Sweet and creamy also on the palate with the typical fruit notes of pineapple, banana and apricot, accompanied by lots of vanilla and a warming, slightly peppery spiciness. Very intense and mouth-filling.

Finish: The finish is long and creamy with fruit jam and vanilla. Becomes a little drier with time with subtle spicy oak.
With water: After adding water, subtle floral notes are added to the aromatic rum and fruit flavours. Still wonderfully sweet on the palate with creamy vanilla and tropical fruit jam, accompanied by a slightly warming, spicy note. The finish is still long and creamy with fruity jam and slightly bitter orange peel, accompanied by subtle dry oak.

Comments: This hand-filled bottling from St. Kilian Distillers impresses with its powerful rum aroma, wonderfully accompanied by tropical fruits, sweet vanilla and subtle oak spice. With its high alcohol content, the addition of water is a good idea, but the single malt does not lose any of its aroma or flavour. An intense, full-bodied and mouth-filling dram!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


Der Blinde & Der Blonde - Jorgo & Marcus, St. Kilian Limited Edition 2022
ABV: 47%
Region: Germany/Ireland
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: St. Kilian Distillers and Great Northern Distillery (Ireland)
Cask type:
 ex-Bourbon, ex-Rum and ex-Sauternes Casks (2,000 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: Fruity on the nose with ripe pears, juicy apricots and pineapple, followed by creamy vanilla and subtle spicy honey. In the background a hint of oak with aromatic oils.
Palate: Full-bodied and fruity on the palate with ripe pears and juicy apricots, accompanied by vanilla cream and warming spices that give a pleasant velvety and oily mouthfeel.
Finish: The finish is long lasting with a creamy spicy melange of honey and malty crunch, rounded off with some dry oak and a subtly oily texture.
With water: After adding water, a little more spicy aromas on the nose, accompanied by vanilla. The fruitiness is a little more discreetly noticeable in the background. Still fruity and creamy on the palate, with more oak spice and warming notes. The fruit appears as creamy jam with a distinctly oily texture. The finish is slightly shorter, creamy with a dry, spicy note towards the end.

Comments: For this limited special bottling, St. Kilian single malts, which were predominantly allowed to mature in ex-Bourbon, ex-rum and ex-sauternes casks, were married with single malt and pot still whiskey from the Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, Ireland, which matured in American ex-Bourbon barrels. The result is a beguilingly fruity whisky, marked by the typical Irish pot still character, with a velvety smooth composition and oily texture. In addition, the label of the bottle is designed in Braille, which is so far unique in continental Europe. An ideal all-day dram.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the image!


St. Kilian 4yo, Signature Edition "Ten", 2016/2017-2022
ABV: 49.5%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
50l & 190l ex-Bourbon Casks and 190l & 225l ex-Rum Casks (10,000 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Tropical fruit notes on the nose with pineapple and peach. There is also sweet vanilla cream and a hint of coconut, accompanied by crisp barley malt and some spicy oak notes.
Palate: Initially wonderfully sweet and creamy on the palate with notes of bourbon vanilla, barley malt and tropical fruit jam. Pleasantly warming with notes of dark toffee and a subtle oak spiciness.
Finish: The finish is long and creamy with milk chocolate and caramel followed by subtle notes of dark bread crust and a touch of dry oak.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, clearly more spice on the nose, along with barley notes and milk chocolate, with the tropical fruit notes fading into the background. Still sweet on the palate with creamy fruit, vanilla, a hint of coconut and dark toffee. At the same time slightly warming with spicy oak notes. The finish is still long with distinct dry notes of oak, barley malt, toasted bread and dark chocolate.

Comments: This tenth edition of the Signature Edition focuses on the variety of malt used, which St Kilian Distillers has in stock. The whisky was made from a total of five different types of malt and matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Rum casks of different sizes. The result is a full-bodied and intense single malt, which fully convinces with a wonderful sweetness of tropical fruits, intense malt notes, chocolaty tones and spicy oak. A dram to relax and enjoy!


I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the image!


St. Kilian 3yo, Hand-Filled, ex-Chateau Margaux, 2018-2022
ABV: 58.9%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Chateau Margaux Red Wine Casks 225l (#3043, #3047. #3048, appr. 114 btl.)

 

Colour: Reddish amber.
Nose: Significant red wine notes on the nose, along with cherries and red berries. Behind this, creamy vanilla emerges, accompanied by subtle spicy notes and fine tannins.
Palate: Fruity on the palate with lots of red berries and black cherries. At the same time warming with a subtle alcoholic spiciness, accompanied by creamy vanilla and dark fruit compote. Becomes slightly dry towards the finish with tannins and a pleasant, mildly bitter note of grape seeds and skins.

Finish: The finish is long and pleasantly warming with creamy red berry fruit compote. Becomes drier with time with flavours of oak, tannins and a hint of green walnuts.
With water: After the addition of water, slightly less fruity notes on the nose, plus a little stronger with oak notes, tannins and vanilla cream. Sweet and very fruity on the palate with red berries. Noticeably less warming with a hint of spicy notes. The dry, slightly bitter flavours of grape seeds and skins are even more apparent. The finish is slightly shorter and creamy with red fruit spread, plus dry notes of oak and tannins.

Comments: This hand-filled bottling from St. Kilian Distillers impressively illustrates how well the new make spirit harmonises with red wine casks. These give the whisky wonderful fruity notes of red berries, while the European oak provides a smooth tannin structure and a subtle spiciness. Very successful and dangerously drinkable, despite the high alcohol strength, which is already wonderfully integrated. Well done!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, Hand-Filled, ex-Rye Early Times/ex-Jack Daniel's, 2017-2022
ABV: 60.7%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Rye Early Times & ex-Tennessee Whiskey Jack Daniel's 190l Cask (#2213, appr. 288 btl.)

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: Lots of sweet vanilla, almost custard, accompanied by some toffee and a lovely fruity note of juicy peaches, apricots and ripe pears. With time, fresh pineapple is added. A truly beguiling nose.
Palate: At first, the sweetness dominates with vanilla, accompanied by peach and ripe pears. Then the alcohol becomes noticeable with a comforting warmth, followed by dark caramel tones. Towards the finish, a sticky creamy fruit sweetness with vanilla custard prevails.

Finish: The finish is long and wonderfully creamy with vanilla and dark caramel. With time, slightly dry oak arrives, followed by subtle toasty aromas of bread crust and a slightly spicy rye note.
With water: After the addition of a few drops of water, a little spicy rye on the nose, while retaining the lovely fruity notes (peach, pear) and complemented by a hint of lemonade. Creamy sweet and wonderfully fruity on the palate, with some dark caramel. Only slightly warming. The finish is still long with caramel, subtle roasted flavours and creamy fruit notes.
Comments: This Distillery Only bottling is a delightful melange of vanilla, sweetness and sticky fruit with a slightly spicy rye undertone. At almost five years old, it is already very well balanced and has an impressive depth. Another example of how well the spirit from St. Kilian Distillers harmonises with former Bourbon or Rye casks. Dangerously drinkable despite the high alcohol content. Very well done!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, Hand-Filled, Double Maturation, 2017-2022
ABV: 59.6%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Bourbon Heaven Hill / ex-Tennessee Whiskey Jack Daniel's Cask (#4838, appr. 290 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: Clear smoky notes on the nose. Behind it, sweet vanilla and juicy barley come to the fore, accompanied by fresh citrus fruits like limes and some smoked ham.
Palate: At first some smoke on the palate, then a wonderful sweetness of vanilla, barley malt and dark toffee. At the same time bold and warming with a slightly peppery spiciness. Behind this are fruity notes of citrus and apricot, before dry ash notes lead over to the finish.
Finish: The finish is long and warming with creamy vanilla and a hint of apricot. Becomes increasingly dry with ash notes and subtle smouldering wood smoke.
With water: After the addition of water, a little more smoke on the nose with distinct smoked ham. Also a little fresher with lime and a touch of floral notes like mint and sage. Very sweet on the palate with lots of vanilla and some apricot jam. In addition, a discreet spiciness and tingling warmth. The finish is a little shorter with vanilla cream, smoked ham and smoky barley notes.
Comments: This Distillery Only bottling shows once again that a smoky barley malt recipe from St Kilian Distillers harmonises excellently with good ex-Bourbon casks. The result is a powerful single malt with a beautiful vanilla sweetness and corresponding smoky notes. A nice balance of smoke, sweetness, fruit and spice. More of this please!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, Hand-Filled, ex-Rhum Agricole/Cognac, 2017-2021
ABV: 59.7%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Rhum Agricole/Cognac French Oak Cask (#1206, appr. 197 btl.)

 

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Immediately, tropical fruit notes are on the nose with banana, peach, some ripe pear and a hint of pineapple. Sweet vanilla with coconut flakes and yellow grapes. Spicy oak mingles with a slight alcoholic bite in the background, accompanied by a hint of tobacco and a touch of bitter Seville oranges.
Palate: Delightfully sweet and fruity on the palate with tropical fruits, pineapple cream and ripe peaches. At the same time warming with oak spice and white pepper. A touch of tobacco develops towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, with creamy sweet fruit jam, followed by some dry oak towards the end.
With water: A little spicier on the nose after adding a few drops of water. At the same time, however, a lot of heavy fruit with clearly noticeable tobacco notes. On the palate, still sweet and fruity, a little more tangy and lively with oak spice and white pepper, plus vanilla and creamy fruit compote. The finish is still long, sweet and creamy with distinctly drier notes of oak and tobacco leaves.
Comments: A wonderfully sweet and fruity single cask bottling from St Kilian Distillers, where the mild new make was allowed to mature over four years in a French oak cask, which was first filled with Rhum Agricole and then with Cognac. The heavy and tropical fruit notes unfold together with the sweetness and are perfectly balanced by the spiciness of the French oak and the tobacco notes. A delightful dram that conjures up sunshine in the glass!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


Grave Digger, Metal Turf Beast, St Kilian 2021
ABV: 49%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Port Wine & ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks (870 btl.)

 

Colour: Mahogany.
Nose: Immediately there is intense peat smoke on the nose, warming, with sweet notes of plum jam and sultanas. This is joined by dark chocolate and cooling notes of mint and menthol. In the background is some tobacco and dry spicy oak with ash.
Palate: Sweet and powerful on the palate with warming peat smoke, plum jam, sultanas and red berries. In addition, a slight dryness with tannins, green walnut as well as ash notes. Very lingering!
Finish: The finish is long and creamy with red berry jelly, jammy plum and warming peat smoke. This is joined by notes of walnut and tannins. Dry peat smoke hovers over everything.
With water: After the addition of water, the intense peat smoke remains. However, the fruit notes of plum and sultanas are still noticeable. Intense but less warming on the palate, with distinct dry notes of dark chocolate and cocoa, with green walnut and overall less fruit flavours. The finish is still long, noticeably drier with tannins, ash and peat smoke. Also clearly less fruit.

Comments: Oh yes, this is an intense dram ideal for the cold season. The spicy peat smoke is perfectly balanced by the dark fruit notes, to which the dry tannins and walnut flavours go very well. Despite the 91 ppm, the fruity notes shine through very nicely. Peat, smoke, sherry, port and St Kilian - what more could the whisky connaisseur want. Well done folks!


I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!

Grave Digger, Tunes of War, St Kilian 2021
ABV: 47%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Red Wine Casks (6,340 btl.)

 

Colour: Polished copper.
Nose: Peat smoke is immediately present on the nose, accompanied by crisp bacon and sweet fruity notes of red grape, strawberry and raspberry. This is joined by dry aromas of ash, chimney air and burnt oak.
Palate: A sweet mix of red grapes, apples, ripe peaches with warming peat smoke spreads pleasantly in the mouth and is accompanied by spicy oak, a subtle peppery spiciness and dry ash notes.
Finish: The finish is long and wonderfully warming with notes of grape jelly and red apples. Becomes drier towards the end with spicy oak, wood smoke and dry ash notes that linger.
With water: After adding water, more oak spice and peppery spiciness on the nose. The peat smoke remains and the fruit notes are pushed somewhat into the background. On the palate still sweet and fruity with red grapes, plus warming peat smoke with a little less spice. The finish is still long with smoke, grape jelly and a little more spice, oak as well as dry ash.

Comments: A warming and spicy single malt from St Kilian Distillers with distinct peat smoke and earthy ash notes, nicely balanced by the lovely fruit notes of the red wine casks used with plenty of sweetness. For an age of only 3.5 years, this is a remarkable single malt with a captivating variety of flavours. This dram does not come from Islay, it comes from Germany! Very impressive, in my opinion.


I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


Terence Hill The Hero, Batch 01, St. Kilian 2021
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany/Ireland
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: St. Kilian Distillers and Great Northern Distillery (Ireland)
Cask type:
 ex-Bourbon and ex-Rum Casks

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: Fruity and sweet on the nose with tropical fruits, especially pineapple and banana. In addition, creamy vanilla, caramel and a hint of molasses, with some cherry and warming oak in the background.
Palate: Still sweet and fruity on the palate with Caribbean flair. Pineapple and banana mingle with creamy toffee and sweet vanilla. At the same time warming with spicy oak, pepper and slightly dry cocoa towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is medium long with pineapple cream and caramel tones. Becomes increasingly dry with cocoa and oak notes.
With water: After the addition of water, fruity with pineapple and banana, accompanied by toffee, caramel and vanilla. The sweet and fruity aroma clearly predominates. Strong on the palate, however, where the sweetness is hardly noticeable, and spicy oak and pepper dominate. Still somewhat fruity with tropical fruits towards the finish. The finish remains medium long and becomes noticeably drier with caramel, cocoa and spicy oak.

Comments: For this Terence Hill bottling, German single malts from St. Kilian Distillers, matured in former rum casks, were blended with triple-distilled whiskeys from the Irish Great Northern Distillery, which matured in American ex-bourbon casks. The result is a wonderfully sweet whisky with Caribbean flair, nicely balanced by spicy, warming oak notes. An ideal all-day dram.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


Bud Spencer The Legend, Batch 02, St. Kilian 2021
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany/Ireland
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: St. Kilian Distillers and Great Northern Distillery (Ireland)
Cask type:
 ex-Bourbon and ex-Amarone Casks

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: An intoxicating bouquet of fruit on the nose with ripe peaches, cherries, raspberries and red grapes. This is accompanied by honey, sweet vanilla and creamy toffee. A hint of floral notes emerge in the background, followed by subtle oak spice and a pinch of white pepper.
Palate: Powerful, intense and pleasantly warming with spicy oak notes, white pepper and toffee, followed by creamy fruit jam of peaches and cherries. Soft notes of honey, sweet grapes and a hint of tannins add to this mild sweetness.
Finish: The finish is medium long and creamy with red fruit jam, honey and some brittle, rounded off with dry notes of oak and tannins.
With water: Spicier on the nose after the addition of water, retaining the lovely fruity notes of red cherry and peach, along with sweet toffee and vanilla. Sweet and fruity on the palate with tamed spice. Noticeably less warming, pushing the fruity grapes and notes of honey, toffee and creamy vanilla to the fore. The finish remains medium long, mild and creamy with milk chocolate, honey and red fruit jam.

Comments: In contrast to batches 01 and 01.2, with this new batch single malt from St Kilian was married with triple distilled Irish whiskey from the Irish Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk. The result is a sweet whisky with an intense and intoxicating fruit bouquet, beautifully balanced with spicy oak notes and dry tannins. With an optimum alcohol strength of 46%, this is a wonderfully drinkable, aromatic and multi-layered all-day dram.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, Turf Peak, 2016-2021
ABV: 60.2%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
European & American Virgin Oak Casks (#448 & #463, appr. 580 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright amber.
Nose: Wood smoke immediately hits the nose, followed by sweet vanilla, creamy honey and delicious caramel. In addition, there is a slightly alcoholic spiciness that is by no means unpleasant. Over time, phenolic notes with tones of antiseptic and adhesive bandage can be detected, followed by discreet herbal notes, such as eucalyptus and a hint of mint in the background.
Palate: Immediately wonderfully sweet on the palate with vanilla, honey and toffee, accompanied by ripe apricots and aromas of red berries. At the same time, the high alcohol content is evident with a distinct warmth and noticeable peppery spiciness in the mouth. Subtle peat smoke hovers over it and perfectly combines the intensely sweet and spicy notes.
Finish: The finish is long lasting and creamy sweet with caramel, fruit jam and a hint of herbs with subtle campfire smoke towards the end.
With water: Less smoke on the nose after the addition of water. The alcoholic bite is also tamed, as expected, allowing bright ripe fruits and dark caramel to emerge. A touch of herbal notes in the background. A little less sweet on the palate, some honey and caramel with apricot fruit and red berries. Pleasantly warming with subtle smoky notes. The finish is still long and creamy with honey sweetness, berry jam, some caramel and slightly dry oak notes towards the end.

Comments: This special bottling from St. Kilian is convincing all along the line. A wonderful composition of smoke, sweetness, ripe fruit, peaty flavours and spicy notes make this single malt a full-bodied, aromatic and complex pleasure experience. It is one of the best whiskies I have had the pleasure of tasting from St. Kilian Distillers so far. Great job David F. Hynes and Mario Rudolf!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, 2017-2021, Double Maturation - Peated
ABV: 58.2%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
PX & Oloroso Sherry Cask (#4540)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: Immediately sweet peat smoke on the nose, along with burnt caramel, raisins, figs and plums. This is joined by sweet sherry, smoked ham and spicy notes of oak and allspice. In the background a touch of floral tones with some sage and a hint of mint.
Palate: Wonderfully sweet on the palate with sherry, brown sugar, plum compote and raisins. At the same time warming with a slightly alcoholic spiciness, plus peat smoke and spicy oak. As soon as this warmth fades, dry notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, cinnamon and allspice emerge.
Finish: The finish is creamy with caramel, cocoa, dry ash and some allspice. Notes of green walnut and slightly spicy oak linger for a long time with smoke. Great!
With water: After the addition of water, more smoke on the nose, plus dates wrapped in bacon and sherry with a little caramel. The fruit notes are pushed into the background. Clearly more smoke also on the palate with a warming, peppery spiciness. In addition, dry notes of dark chocolate, allspice and oak. Somewhat less sweetness and barely noticeable fruit flavours. The finish is still long and creamy with caramel, dry cocoa, walnut as well as allspice and a touch of spicy oak.

Comments: A fruity-sweet and spicy-smoky single malt that I enjoy very much. Already after four years of maturation, this current hand-filled bottling from St Kilian Distillers shows a nice balance of sweetness, fruit, peat smoke and oak spice. The alcohol is present but already well integrated and, together with the flavours from the sherry casks, ensures a wonderful enjoyment experience. Definitely a dram for the coming cold days!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Nine", 2016/2017/2018-2021
ABV: 55.3%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Palatine Oak (11%), ex-Sauternes (27%), ex-Bourbon Casks (62%) (7,500 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright amber.
Nose: Beguiling fruity notes on the nose with ripe apricot and juicy peach, plus a hint of grapefruit. This is accompanied by sweet toffee and custard, in harmony with floral notes, some ginger as well as spicy oak.
Palate: A sweet and full-bodied fruity start on the palate with peach, pineapple and grapefruit, followed by creamy honey, custard and toffee. Warming notes of spicy oak, some ginger and a pinch of cinnamon towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting, pleasantly warming and creamy with caramel and sweet almond biscuit, plus some grapefruit zest with a hint of walnut towards the end.
With water: After adding water a little less fruit on the nose with more floral notes, toffee, spicy oak and tart grapefruit. The sweetness of caramel and honey on the palate remains, with the fruit notes being pushed into the background. Also, tones of almond, spicy oak and cinnamon towards the finish. The finish continues to be long and creamy with dark caramel, slightly dry notes of oak and a hint of walnut.

Comments: This ninth release of St Kilian Distillers' Signature Edition features for the first time single malts matured in ex-Sauternes casks, which bring out beguiling notes of yellow, ripe fruit. The German oak from the Palatinate provides a nice dose of spice and forms a lovely balance to the vanilla and toffee notes from the ex-Bourbon casks. The result is a luscious, richly flavoured and complex single malt that will find many friends.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Eight", 2017/2018-2021
ABV: 53.8%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Acacia (2%), Palatine Oak (9%), ex-Rioja (19%), ex-Bourbon (27%) & ex-Rye Whiskey Casks (43%) (8,888 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright amber.
Nose: Crispy bacon with sweet malt, plus intense campfire smoke and aromatic peat. Some red grapes, subtle citrus and vanilla cream with notes of spicy tobacco leaves, liquorice and a touch of ash in the background.
Palate: Powerful, intense and full-bodied on the palate. Wonderfully sweet notes of honey, malt sugar, caramel and red grape jelly, accompanied by vanilla cream. Warming peat smoke with spicy tobacco and a hint of dark chocolate towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long with creamy honey, dark caramel, sweet peat smoke and a hint of liquorice towards the end.
With water: After the addition of water spicier on the nose, along with subtle citrus notes, creamy vanilla and a hint of leather. The peat smoke is somewhat softened. The palate continues to be sweet and creamy with honey, vanilla and caramel. Slightly spicy and noticeably less warming with a hint of red grapes and dry smoke. The finish is medium to long with dark caramel and dry notes of spicy oak and smoke.

Comments: This eighth release of the Signature Editions by St Kilian Distillers is a distinctly smoky version with 54 ppm (measured in malted barley). In addition to intense peat smoke, this bottling shines with a wonderful balance of sweetness, fruit and spicy notes, which are consistent and form a harmonious single malt. Certainly something for the cold evenings, best enjoyed in front of a cracking open fire.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 5yo, Private Cask, Fellow Share II, 2016-2021
ABV: 55.2%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Garrison Brothers Bourbon Cask, ex-PX Finish (#5996, 431 btl.)

 

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Lovely sweetness on the nose with caramel and vanilla, accompanied by ripe peaches, red apples and red grapes. This is joined by sultanas and brown sugar, with a hint of spicy oak and a touch of tannins in the background.
Palate: Powerful attack on the palate with sweet and fruity notes of juicy peaches, apples, red grapes and sultanas. In addition, strongly warming with a slightly alcoholic spiciness. Once the warmth fades, creamy vanilla and toffee emerge, accompanied by spicy oak and some white pepper.
Finish: The finish is medium to long, warming and creamy with caramel and sweet honey.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, a little more fruit on the nose, also lots of toffee and vanilla. But the alcohol is also more noticeable. Sweet and warming on the palate with toffee, grapes and sultanas, with clearly less alcoholic heat. The finish is medium long, creamy, slightly warming and a little dry with milk chocolate, grape skin and a touch of tannins.
Comments: This five-year-old single malt from a bourbon cask with a finish in a PX sherry cask convinces with its balance of fruit, sweetness and spice. If the alcoholic bite is too strong for you, you can safely add water. Then the dram becomes even creamier, with the sweetness and fruitiness remaining the same. Another successful private cask bottling from St Kilian Distillers.


St. Kilian 4yo, Kiliani Edition "Gailana", 2021
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Spaetburgunder Casks (1,702 btl.)

 

Colour: Reddish gold.
Nose: Fruity wine aromas on the nose with strawberry, raspberry and red gooseberry. This is accompanied by red wine cream and vanilla, rounded off with light floral notes, a touch of oak and some mint.
Palate: Fruity sweet and creamy on the palate with strawberry, raspberry, red wine cream and vanilla. In addition, spicy-warm oak notes, some pepper as well as dry cocoa towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long and creamy with dark caramel, cocoa, dry oak notes and a pleasant bitter touch of red grape skins.
With water: After adding water, spicier on the nose with more oak. Plus a little more mint and fruity peach. The wine notes are pushed into the background. Sweet and fruity on the palate with grape and peach. Clearly drier with oak and mint. The finish remains long with cocoa, caramel, dry oak and bitter grape skins.

Comments: A fruity and spicy limited edition from St Kilian Distillers. Lots of red fruit pairs with creamy vanilla and spicy oak, framed in caramel and dry cocoa notes. This first Kiliani bottling is very drinkable. Perhaps the alcohol content could have been a little higher. In any case, the addition of water is not necessary.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 5yo, Private Cask, Fellow Share I, 2016-2021
ABV: 56.7%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Garrison Brothers Bourbon Cask (#123, 107 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: There are immediately tropical fruit aromas on the nose like pineapple, white peach, apricot and pear. In addition, a citrus freshness is noticeable paired with sweet vanilla, toffee, sultanas and a touch of almonds. In the background, slightly spicy notes of oak and white pepper.
Palate: Sweet and fruity on the palate with notes of pineapple, apricot, pear and citrus. At the same time warming with a slightly alcoholic bite, plus white pepper and spicy oak. As soon as the warmth fades, sweet vanilla, lemon cakes and vanilla biscuits emerge.
Finish: The finish shows medium length with creamy vanilla, fruitcake, malt sweets and toffee.
With water: After the addition of water, clearly less fruity on the nose. Sweet vanilla and toffee are joined by fine herbal notes. Noticeably spicier on the palate with pepper, oak and a touch of ginger. Less warming but also less fruit with a hint of vanilla and some pear towards the finish. The finish is still medium long, creamy with apricot jam, toffee and dry oak spice.
Comments: My first St Kilian single malt from a single ex-Bourbon cask and it tastes delicious. Wonderfully sweet and fruity with a spicy counterpart and slightly alcoholic bite. The flavours are nicely balanced and become increasingly expressive over time in the air. This 5-year-old single malt once again shows the enormous potential of this German whisky distillery!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Seven", 2017-2021
ABV: 51.7%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Sherry PX Casks (27%) & ex-Sherry Oloroso Casks (73%) (5,700 btl.)

 

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Initially sultanas on the nose, mixed with dark fruits soaked in dry sherry. In addition, ripe peaches, walnut and discreet herbal notes, primarily sage and mint.
Palate: Dry sweetness of sultanas, dark fruits and walnut on the palate. This is accompanied by ripe peaches and creamy malt sweets, with warming hints of aromatic oak, fresh mint and sage.
Finish: The finish is long and creamy with a spicy warmth, accompanied by fine sherry notes, honey, malt sweets as well as ripe walnut.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, there are noticeably more herbal notes on the nose, along with more ripe walnut, dry sherry and the delicious sultanas. More spicy and tingling on the palate with oak and a touch of pepper. Creamy malt sweets with a little less walnut and herbal notes towards the finish. The finish is still long, creamy and warming with dry sherry and a hint of oak.

Comments: This seventh Signature Edition from St. Kilian pleases with a nice balance of sweetness and nuttiness, which, together with the dry sherry aromas and herbs, create a beautiful harmony in the glass. Perfectly bottled at a slightly higher drinking strength, which also allows playing with a few drops of water. No off-flavours or metallic notes that could indicate the young age. On the contrary: the alcohol is already very well integrated and the sweet, nutty and herbal notes offer the whisky lover an aromatic pleasure that already shows character and depth.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Distillery Only, ex-Sherry, 2017-2020
ABV: 51.7%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Oloroso Sherry Cask (#1086, 1040 btl.)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: The sherry influence is immediately noticeable on the nose, with sultanas, plums and dark fruits soaked in sherry. These are accompanied by caramel and a touch of cinnamon, joined by a fine herbal note with sage, subtle oak tones and dark chocolate in the background.
Palate: Delightfully sweet on the palate with sherry, creamy caramel and dried dark fruits. Warming with a slightly alcoholic spiciness, plus dark chocolate tones and a hint of cinnamon.
Finish: The finish is long lasting and subtly spicy. Becomes increasingly dry with sherry, mocha, a hint of herbs and fine oak notes.
With water: After adding water, a little more sherry aromas on the nose, with caramel and dried fruits. A bit of cinnamon, sweetness, brown sugar and dark chocolate. Surprisingly less sweet and clearly peppery on the palate. Dry with sherry and a hint of caramel, plus notes of tobacco leaves. The finish is medium long, dry with a hint of herbs, some caramel, milk chocolate and a fine note of tobacco.
Comments: A delicious single cask bottling from St Kilian that requires no water. After only three years of maturation, the sherry cask delivers clear notes of dark dried fruits, caramel sweetness and chocolate tones that harmonise wonderfully with the maturing spirit. The alcohol is already well integrated and the flavours united. This suggests great drams to come when the whiskies of this young German distillery get older.


St. Kilian 4yo, Private Cask, Ambassador's Choice No. 3
ABV: 63.3%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Bunnahabhain Staoisha Casks (#158, #159, #160, #163, 1,200 btl.)

 

Colour: Pale straw.
Nose: At first discreet peat smoke on the nose, which leaves plenty of room for vanilla, a malty sweetness, citrus notes and green pears. This is joined by notes of barley, toffee and fresh menthol.
Palate: An intense and warming start on the palate, accompanied by sweet vanilla, toffee and lemon balm. The alcoholic spiciness is noticeable peppery, followed by pears, barley notes and subtle smoke that hovers over everything.
Finish: The finish is medium to long with a malty sweetness and lightly salted caramel, accompanied by a touch of smoke.
With water: After the addition of water, very fresh with noticeably more lime on the nose, accompanied by vanilla, barley, a touch of pepper and subtle smoke. Clearly tamer on the palate with a yummy sweetness of vanilla, toffee and caramel. This is accompanied by juicy pears and fine citrus notes. The finish is medium long, slightly warming with a malty sweetness and a hint of smoke.
Comments: I really enjoyed this third bottling from St Kilian's Ambassasord's Choice range. The smoke from the ex-Bunnahabhain Staoisha casks imparted wonderfully subtle smoky notes to the unpeated new make after over four years of maturation, which complemented the citrus freshness, sweet vanilla notes and pear flavours perfectly to create a harmonious single malt. The strong 63.3% abv are noticeable, but not unpleasant, and also allow to play with water. Water makes this dram even fresher and smoother. A well chosen bottling!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 4yo, Distillery Only, ex-Sherry PX, 2017-2021
ABV: 56.1%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery (hand-filled)
Cask type: ex-Sherry PX Cask (#1282)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: A potpourri of ripe fruits, consisting of peaches, plums, baked apples and juicy sultanas, mixes with dry sherry and a beautiful caramel sweetness. Fine herbal notes of sage arrive, accompanied by dark chocolate and a hint of tobacco leaves in the background. The alcohol is already well integrated.
Palate: Sweet start on the palate with dried fruit, plums and sultanas. This is accompanied by warming spices, a slightly alcoholic bite and some sage. Becomes drier with sherry, dark chocolate, caramel and cocoa, with a touch of green walnut towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is medium long with sage, espresso, dry cocoa, sultanas and unripe walnut flavours.
With water: After adding water, more caramel on the nose, plus vanilla, toffee and ripe peaches. Seems fresher with sherry and sultanas. Initially sweet on the palate with sultanas and dark fruits, then spicy oak appears, along with pepper, sage, some mint, caramel, dark chocolate and dry cocoa. The finish is still medium long and warming with sage, sherry and walnut notes.
Comments: This single cask bottling from St. Kilian Distillers already shows a nice balance of sweetness, herbs, spices and dry chocolate after only four years of maturation. The influence of the PX cask is unmistakable and unfolds wonderful sherry aromas that are not too sweet and leave plenty of room for fruits and herbs. There is absolutely no trace of youthfulness or even metallic notes here. A dram that develops even better with time in the glass.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


St. Kilian 3yo, 2017-2020, Bremen Edition - Lightly Peated
ABV: 58.3%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
PX & Oloroso Sherry Cask (#4542, 397 btl.)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: Immediately clear smoke on the nose accompanied by a sweetness of sherry, raisins and dates wrapped in bacon. This is joined by notes of BBQ, fine nut aromas and a little dark chocolate. In the background, slightly floral hints with herbs and a little lovage. An expressive and very present nose!
Palate: Wonderfully sweet on the palate with raisins, dates, sherry and creamy plum jam. This is accompanied by a powerful warmth in the mouth, a slightly alcoholic spiciness and some pepper. As soon as this warmth fades, a nice caramel sweetness arrives, accompanied by dry smoke, some oak spice as well as a hint of allspice.
Finish: The finish is long with cold smoke, a touch of peat, creamy caramel and some allspice. Great!
With water: After the addition of a few drops of water, wonderfully sweet on the nose with raisins, plums and dates. Peat smoke, oak spice and a touch of lovage. Also very sweet on the palate with sherry, plums, BBQ notes and creamy caramel. The warmth is clearly mellowed. In addition, there is some spicy oak, nutmeg, allspice and a touch of pepper. The finish is still long and creamy, slightly warming with fine peat smoke.

Comments: A fruity-smoky single malt that I really like. The sweetness of dark fruits combines wonderfully with the smoky notes and the spices from the sherry cask used. The alcohol is present, but already well integrated and provides a wonderfully long and tasty finish. For the very young age, a really great dram!


St. Kilian 3yo, Bud Spencer - The Legend, Rauchig, Batch 01, 2020
ABV: 49%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
 ex-Bourbon and ex-Amarone Casks

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: Immediately, ashy smoke is on the nose. Behind it, sweet notes of vanilla and toffee emerge, accompanied by fruity pears as well as tropical fruits, mainly banana and pineapple. The cold smoke hovers discreetly above everything.
Palate: On the palate, the smoke mingles with sweet notes of vanilla, caramel and honey. Pleasantly warming with a subtle peppery spiciness. Towards the finish more caramel tones and some toasted bread.
Finish: The finish is medium long and warming, with caramel and a subtle ash note, and increasingly dry tannins.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, the fruit notes are pushed into the background. What remains is vanilla, caramel and ashy smoke. Sweet on the palate with vanilla, toffee and honey, plus some banana, pepper and spicy smoke. The finish is still medium long with caramel, some banana, discreet smoke and dry tannins.

Comments: A sweet, fruity and spicy single malt with a good dose of smoke. The flavours harmonise very well with each other, whereby the influence of the ex-Amarone casks is also very subtle here. Similar to the non-smoky version of the Bud Spencer whisky, only this case with a smoky punch. Pleasantly drinkable!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Bud Spencer The Legend, Batch 01.2, 2020
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
 ex-Bourbon (85%) and ex-Amarone (15%) Casks

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Sweet vanilla on the nose with fruit notes of ripe pears, a hint of banana, some red berries, and cherries. Honey and a hint of marzipan, with some malty notes and a touch of spice in the background.
Palate: The palate confirms what the nose promises. Sweet ripe pears with vanilla cream, toffee and subtle spicy oak notes. Accompanied by aromas of shortbread biscuits and toasted bread.
Finish: The finish is medium long, creamy with vanilla and fruity pears. Some spicy oak and drying tannins are added.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, there is clearly more fruit on the nose with ripe pears and bananas. In addition, sweet vanilla and fresh citrus notes like orange. Creamy and sweet on the palate with vanilla, honey and caramel. In addition, a light herbal note as well as some spicy oak. The finish is still medium long with creamy vanilla, caramel and dry notes of oak and tannins.

Comments: A wonderfully fruity single malt, full of ripe pears and bananas. In addition, wonderfully sweet notes of creamy vanilla, honey and discreetly spicy oak. The influence of the ex-bourbon casks thus clearly predominates. The ex-Amarone casks are only very subtly noticeable with red berries and dry tannins. A pleasant, uncomplicated and highly quaffable dram from St Kilian Distillers.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


Fading Hill 4yo, Peated Edition No. 4, 2016-2020
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Ex-Bourbon-, PX-Sherry- and American Oak Octave-Casks (#97, #140, #144 - 350 btl.)

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: Sweet and fruity on the nose with vanilla, caramel and yellow fruit. In addition, subtle smoke, paired with a fine herbal note as well as fresh mint and a touch of menthol.
Palate: Creamy and sweet start on the palate with caramel, toffee, barley sugar and vanilla. In addition, subtle smoke and some grilled apricot. Towards the finish, notes of milk chocolate and a touch of ash arrive.
Finish: The finish is medium long, creamy with toffee, plus subtle smoke and some dark chocolate towards the end.
With water: After the addition of a few drops of water fresher on the nose with mint and a hint of apricot. The smoke is somewhat pushed into the background. Sweet on the palate with caramel, apricots and notes of milk chocolate. The finish is medium long and slightly warming with caramel and a touch of smoke.

Comments: This German single malt is incredibly harmonious. A tasty blend of sweetness, fruit and subtle smoke. The flavours are perfectly matched. If you prefer an absolutely round dram without any rough edges and that doesn't overwhelm anyone, this is the right one for you.

 

I thank Birkenhof Brennerei for the complimentary sample!


Fading Hill 4yo, Peated Edition No. 3, 2016-2020
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Ex-Bourbon Single Cask (#80)

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: A subtle smoke is noticeable on the nose, along with fine peaty notes. Slightly phenolic and medicinal, but only very slightly. Behind that, sweet notes of malt and vanilla emerge, accompanied by apricots and pear fruit. In the background, subtle roasted aromas and a little milk chocolate.
Palate: Again, first smoke and roasted aromas, followed by caramel and sweet vanilla. Plus a hint of pear, followed by slightly warming, spicy notes with some pepper and a hint of ash towards the finish. The spiciness clearly increases with the second sip.
Finish: The finish is medium long with smoke and a mocha note, plus light phenolic tones and cold ash towards the end.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, less smoke in the nose, plus a fine mocha note, a little more vanilla and pear aromas. Also less smoke on the palate, but the fruit flavours are missing. Instead, clearly more spicy notes, pepper and oak tones, followed by caramel and a dry mocha note. The finish is medium long with creamy sweetness of vanilla and malt, plus a hint of pear with distinct dry oak towards the end.

Comments: A harmonious, slightly smoky German single malt with a nice balance of sweetness, fruit and phenolic notes. No flavour pushes itself to the fore, everything is well balanced. Not very complex, but a nice dram to drink and relax. There is no need for adding water to it.

 

I thank Birkenhof Brennerei for the complimentary sample!


Fading Hill 4yo, Autumn Edition 2020, 2014/2015/2016-2020
ABV: 46%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Oloroso Sherry Cask, Amercian Oak, Pinot Noir, Port Wine and Ex-Bourbon Casks (Final Cask #148, #323, #556, 955 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Fruity and fresh on the nose with vanilla, honey and apricot. Accompanied by wine aromas, a squeeze of lime, fresh mint and some butterscotch. Very pleasant without disturbing alcohol.
Palate: Sweet on the palate with vanilla, apricot and other fruits, plus honey and subtle wine aroma. This fruit sweetness is accompanied by a dense peppery and slightly warming spiciness. Caramel tones and a hint of red currants are added to this.
Finish: The finish is medium long, slightly spicy and creamy with yellow fruit and honey. Becomes a little drier towards the end.
With water: After adding a few drops of water, fresher and more tangy on the nose with red currants, apricot, sweet vanilla and a hint of mint. Still sweet on the palate with vanilla, creamy caramel and some red berries. In addition, a little more peppery notes. The finish is short to medium long, creamy sweet and slightly warming with a touch of dry oak towards the end.

Comments: This German single malt was allowed to mature in a series of oak casks and is characterised by its softness, balance and sweet fruitiness. Despite its young age, this whisky shows already a great density of flavours. The influence of the wine and port barrels is noticeable, but very subtle. Round and balanced at perfect drinking strength.

 

I thank Birkenhof Brennerei for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


Elsburn Distillery Edition 2020, Sherry Casks Batch 002
ABV: 45.9%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Spanish First-Fill Sherry Casks (2,794 btl.)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: Very fruity on the nose with tangerines, juicy oranges, plums and red cherries. In addition, winter spices, aromas reminiscent of German glühwein candy, with cinnamon and a hint of tobacco in the background. Very pleasant!
Palate: The palate is also very sweet and creamy, with juicy tangerines and plums. In addition, slightly warming winter spices and oak flavours. Then a light but pleasant bitterness takes over with orange marmalade and green hazelnuts. I really like this nuttiness, which is joined by vanilla, subtle caramel tones and a whiff of tobacco leaves.
Finish: The finish is long lasting and slightly warming with creamy plum jam, green hazelnuts, dry oak spice as well as a light tobacco note towards the end.
With water: After adding water, more fruity notes on the nose with juicy oranges, but also more tobacco, cigar box and slightly less winter spices. Still sweet and creamy on the palate. The juicy tangerines and oranges are in harmony with bitter oak, green hazelnut and spice. The finish is medium long with hints of coffee, some tobacco, leather and hazelnut.
Comments: A very tasty single malt. A real palate pleaser, something for the sweet tooth among whisky drinkers. What I particularly like are the bitter nutty notes, which with the light tobacco flavour, the sweet fruitiness and the winter spices represent a multi-layered taste experience. An absolute recommendation in the cold season!

 

I thank Kirsch Import e.K. for the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Six", 2016/2017-2020
ABV: 47.5%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
ex-Spaetburgunder (30%), ex-Bourbon (25%) and ex-Rye Casks (45%) (6,530 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Fresh and light fruity on the nose with apricot and tropical fruits, accompanied by delicious grapes and vanilla cream. This is followed by spicy tones of ginger and some pepper with notes of malted barley in the background. Very appealing and by no means young.
Palate: Immediately creamy sweet and wonderfully fruity on the palate with grapes and again apricot as well as exotic fruits that are difficult to identify individually, banana maybe. Then a warming spiciness becomes noticeable with ginger, clearly pepper and oak. This is accompanied by slightly bitter notes of grape skin and malted barley towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is medium to long, pleasantly warming and initially sweet and creamy with barley sugar and vanilla. Then slightly bitter notes of grape skin and oak are added.
With water: After adding a few drops of water very fresh on the nose with grapes and yellow fruit jam. This is accompanied by creamy vanilla. Overall a little less spicy. Intense and spicy, however, on the palate with much more pepper and ginger. Then some vanilla, malted barley and fruit sweetness towards the finish. The finish is of medium length, very creamy with vanilla and barley sugar, then becomes a bit drier and slightly bitter with grape skin and oak.

Comments: I really enjoyed this sixth Signature Edition from St Kilian Distillers. The interplay of yellow, partly exotic fruits, creamy vanilla with barley sugar as well as the rich and warming spices create a pleasant harmony in aroma and taste. No trace of youthfulness, it seems amazingly mature. An excellent composition of the three different types of casks, skilfully created by the master distiller and blender, Mario Rudolf. Well done!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Five", 2016/2017-2020
ABV: 52.5%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Five Different Virgin Oak Casks

 

Colour: Bright amber.
Nose: Fresh on the nose with lots of vanilla sauce and toffee. This is joined by notes of light fruit, apricot and a little citrus. Besides various herbs that are hard to describe, there is a good portion of oak mixed with cedar wood. Aromatic and appealing!
Palate: Sweet start on the palate with fruit sweetness, apricot, peach and lots of vanilla cream. Then strongly warming and peppery with oak spice. Notes of plum jam mixed with herbs. All in all creamy, remaining sweet and slightly drying towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long-lasting, creamy sweet and gradually dries out with oak spice, subtle nutty aromas, some dark chocolate and a light note of herbal candy with a touch of grapefruit.
With water: Significantly fresher on the nose after adding a little water. Vanilla, toffee and noticeably more oak wood, with sawdust and a subtle herbal note. Only a slight vanilla sweetness on the palate, which is immediately replaced by a strongly warming and on the tongue prickling spiciness. Very peppery and dry with oak spice and sawdust. The finish is somewhat shorter and clearly dry with spiced oak, allspice, some herbs and hardly any sweetness.
Comments: This strong, oak-wood accented single malt was love at second sight. For me personally, the predominant scent and taste of fresh oak was too superficial, but over time this young malt developed a complex fruit and herbal aroma spectrum that makes you want to spend more time with it. Not an easy dram, but still worthwhile. Exciting and multi-layered.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Four", 2016-2020
ABV: 48%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Andalusian Oloroso and PX Sherry Casks

 

Colour: Light amber.
Nose: Immediately, intense campfire smoke rises to the nose, paired with a distinct sweetness of apricots, toffee, raisins and some honey. Notes of crispy bacon arrive, which later change to black-smoked ham with cold ashes.
Palate: Powerful start with peat smoke on the palate, warming and spicy with white pepper. After the warmth fades away, a creamy fruitiness of dried plums and raisins appears, accompanied by sweet toffee, sherry and dark chocolate.
Finish: The finish is of medium length with a creamy and spicy fruit sweetness, which echoes with warming smoke aromas, supported by ashes and a pinch of allspice.
With water: Significantly more sooty aromas on the nose after addition of water with notes of ash and black smoked ham. Strong with a hint of fruit aromas. Dry on the palate with warming spices, black pepper, almost chili. Becomes spicier. Then fruit notes of apricot and peach appear, followed by toffee and dark chocolate. The finish is still of medium length, dry with oak, allspice and a whiff of nutmeg. This is all wrapped in fine peat smoke.
Comments: A young, heavily peated single malt from St Kilian Distillers. The Signature Edition Four is characterized by intensive peat smoke paired with Spanish temperament. A harmonious balance of fruity sweetness, warming spices and intense campfire smoke. Certainly something for cool autumn days.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Distillery Only, ex-Chardonnay, 2016-2020
ABV: 52.9%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery (Online Edition)
Cask type: ex-Chardonnay Cask French Oak (#434, 495 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Fruity and fresh on the nose with gooseberry, apricot and light peach. Behind this are floral notes, accompanied by vanilla and a hint of citrus fruit. Slightly spicy with some oak and nutmeg. Overall very appealing.
Palate: Fruity start on the palate, accompanied by nice floral aromas, sweet vanilla, peach and toffee. This is then warming up with a peppery spiciness of the alcohol. Slightly bitter notes of grapefruit and grape skin nicely linger towards the finish.
Finish: The finish shows a medium length, with a creamy fruit, nutmeg and dry oak aromas. Again, slightly bitter grape skin on the tail.
With water: Much more lively and prickling on the nose after adding a few drops of water. Fruity and floral, but also with a noticeable alcoholic bite. Fruity on the palate, but this time less sweet and more spicy with cracked black pepper and chili. Warming with slightly metallic notes. The finish is of medium length and warming with creamy vanilla and a slightly bitter grapefruit note.
Comments: A young, fresh and fruity St Kilian single malt. After three and a half years of maturation in a former Chardonnay cask made of French oak, it shows a beautiful interplay of sweetness, fruit and floral notes, with a distinct but pleasant spiciness. Ideal drinking strength, because after dilution with water, the youthfulness of this whisky is revealed with a metallic touch.

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the photograph!


Thousand Mountains Mc Raven Cask Strength
ABV: 59.8%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Sauerlaender Edelbrennerei
Cask type: Tuscan Red Wine Casks, ex-Bourbon Casks
(1,000 btl.)

 

Colour: Reddish amber.
Nose: A powerful start on the nose. The high content of almost 60% abv is immediately noticeable, but not unpleasant at all. There are red fruit aromas such as blackberry and cherry, followed by raisins and sweet caramel notes. Vanilla is clearly detectable, followed by notes of sweet barley malt and a touch of oak.
Palate: A strong start also on the palate with a beautiful sweetness of caramel, fruity berries and delicate red wine aromas. Then comes the high alcohol content, with the whisky becoming more spicy with oak wood and an alcoholic spiciness accompanied by white pepper. This spiciness increases with the second sip. Pleasantly warming and mouth filling.
Finish: The finish shows medium length, warming with subtle walnut and drying towards the end with some tannins and oak.
With water: After adding some drops of water, more vanilla and caramel notes appear, accompanied by considerably more oak wood. Overall, the nose is much more tamed. The taste is berry with creamy red wine notes, caramel and vanilla, followed by milk chocolate, hazelnut and tamed oak spice. Overall warming, but clearly less spicy. The finish is still of medium length with creamy caramel, nut aromas, milk chocolate and a hint of oak on the tail.
Comments: This single malt, still quite young at only three years of age, surprised me positively. The maturation in Tuscan red wine casks gave the Mc Raven beautiful berry fruit notes, which also benefits from sweet notes of vanilla and caramel presumably provided by the original Kentucky Bourbon barrels. The variety of aromas is multi-layered, and the high alcohol content leaves enough room for water. One should do so, because then even creamy notes of milk chocolate come into play. A young, German single malt that knows how to please.

 

I thank Sauerlaender Edelbrennerei for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


Project One Feingeist 8yo, from a secret German distillery
ABV: 57.8%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Feingeist
Cask type: Four different Casks - Chestnut, Bourbon, Pinot Noir and Laphroaig Cask Finish
(97 btl.)

 

Colour: Dark amber.
Nose: Dark fruit, like cherry and plum, accompanied by a sweetness of vanilla, caramel and brown sugar. Pleasantly warm on the nose with fine peat smoke and noticeable wood notes. The alcohol is well integrated and not at all pungent.
Palate: Noticeable peat smoke at the beginning on the palate, followed by a creamy and fruity sweetness of cherry and plum jam. Pleasantly warming with a slightly alcoholic spiciness, some pepper and ginger.
Finish: The finish shows a medium length with creamy fruit jam, roasted aromas, some cocoa and warming smoky notes.
With water: After the addition of a few drops of water, more smoke appears on the nose, as well as notes of ash, soot and bitumen. The wonderful fruitiness fades into the background. On the palate it is prickling and intense, with peat smoke, pepper and ginger spiciness. Here again less fruit. The finish is medium long, warm and dry with notes of wood, smoke, ash and some fruit sweetness.
Comments: A very interesting bottling of this unknown German distillery, which has found its perfection in a total of four different types of casks. A beautiful combination of dark fruit, sweetness and warming peat smoke. Bottled just right in my opinion with almost 58% abv. No water necessary. It is certainly also an ideal companion to a cigar.

 

I thank Feingeist GmbH for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Three", 2016-2019
ABV: 50%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: American ex-Bourbon Barrels (94%) and Quarter Casks (6%)
(6,700 btl.)

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: A sweet and fruity start on the nose with vanilla and clear fruit aromas. Citrus, pears and tropical fruits of apricot and pineapple are very noticeable. The whole is accompanied by a perceptible but nevertheless subtle smoke and peat note, with hints of anise and cold ash in the background.
Palate: On the palate a similar picture with a lot of sweetness of vanilla and caramel at first, accompanied by creamy tropical fruit notes. Then it gets very warm and spicy in the mouth with a strong pinch of black pepper, anise and some oak spice, wrapped in warm peat smoke.
Finish: The finish is warming and shows a medium length with subtle, creamy fruity notes, followed by some smoke and a touch of bitter green, unripe walnuts.
With water: The addition of a few drops of water makes the "Three" slightly fresher and more prickling on the nose with a little more spice, while the sweet and fruity notes as well as peat smoke are slightly pushed into the background. On the palate the reduction of the alcohol content is clearly noticeable by less warmth and spiciness. The creamy vanilla and caramel sweetness comes to the fore with the tropical fruit aromas, while the peat smoke remains discreetly in the background. The finish remains medium long, mouth warming with a creamy sweetness and discreet oak spice.
Comments: The third single malt bottling from the St. Kilian Distillers matured for at least three years to a very large extent in selected Tennessie Whiskey barrels and a small percentage in Texan quarter casks. The phenol content of 38 ppm of the malt used is noticeable in the bottling with a smooth and lingering peat smoke note, which underlines the wonderfully creamy sweetness as well as fruity flavours. The Bourbon barrels contribute a great deal of tropical fruit notes and peppery spice, with the 6% quarter cask content being mainly noticeable in the caramel sweetness and spicy oak notes. All in all a successful bottling of this still young German distillery.


I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "Two", 2016-2019
ABV: 54.2%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Amarone Red Wine Casks - 3 sizes: 50L, 225L,
325L (6,600 btl.)

 

Colour: Reddish amber.
Nose: Fruity start on the nose with red berries - raspberry and strawberry in particular - followed by a sweet note of malted barley. Fresh with a touch of mint and white pepper in the back.
Palate: Sweet and creamy on the palate with vanilla and delicate raspberry sorbet. This is accompanied by a warming spicy mix of pepper and oak followed by a whiff of cocoa towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is long, warm and creamy with sticky fruit jam and caramel. Becomes slightly dry on the tail with oak spice, subtle tannins and a hint of bitter almonds.
With water: There's more red berries on the nose when a few drops of water are added. On the palate, the alcoholic warmth is tamed while more fruit and creamy vanilla are coming through. The finish shows medium length with sticky fruit and less bitter notes towards the end.
Comments: This second single malt bottling from St Kilian Distillers matured for at least three years exclusively in sweet Amarone red wine casks of different sizes, which clearly dominate the aroma and taste. Wonderful red fruit notes of raspberries and strawberries result with creamy vanilla and decent oak spice in a harmonious whole, which was bottled at 54.2% abv. Not too strong and therefore excellent to enjoy without water. This second bottling convinces despite its youthfulness with strong and harmonious aromas. St Kilian Distillers - certainly a distillery that should be on the radar screen in the future!


I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample and the photograph!


St. Kilian 3yo, Signature Edition "One", 2016-2019
ABV: 45%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Bourbon (37%), ex-PX Sherry (18%), ex-Martinique Rhum (37%), ex-Bourbon Quarter (3%) and Chestnut (5%) Casks (20,000 btl.)

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: There's immediately fruit on the nose with pineapples, peaches and yellow ripe apples, accompanied by creamy vanilla and barley sugar. Hints of marzipan and subtle notes of lemonade arrive, followed by a tender spiciness of white pepper and oak in the back. Very appealing!
Palate: Smooth and nicely sweet with fruity notes of pineapples, peaches and apricots. This sweetness is complemented by a slightly peppery note and oak spice. Creamy vanilla and a whiff of malted barley linger towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is medium long, warm and slightly dry with oak spice, subtle marzipan and a hint of green walnuts.
With water: There's more tropical fruit coming through, especially pears, when a few drops of water are added, with oak spice also coming to the fore. Still sweet and fruity on the palate accompanied by prickling oak spice and black pepper. The finish shows medium length with a creamy fruitiness and subtle dry oak.
Comments: The Spirit of St. Kilian has arrived as whisky - with a clear bang! This first single malt from the German distillery St. Kilian is a sweet dram with a wonderful mixture of tropical fruits, a malty undertone and a discreet and pleasant spiciness. Made from whiskies matured in five different casks including chestnut(!), this single malt already shows a nice balance of aromas - a great balance of sweetness, fruit and oak spice - and underlines the fruity distillery character. At this young age, the Signature Edition One already demonstrates the enormous potential of this largest German whisky distillery. Very well done folks!

 

I thank St. Kilian Distillers for the complimentary sample!


Baltach 3yo, 2013-2016, Wismarian Single Malt Whisky
ABV: 43%
Region: Germany
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Bourbon Casks, Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (951 btl.)

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: Notes of grapes on the nose, more the darker ones. This is complemented by sweet sherry and vanilla, with grain and cereal flavours in the back. Slightly spiced oak with a mix of fruity, herbal, and earthy notes. Reminds me of a strong beer with a fruity and malty character.
Palate: Surprisingly sweet on the palate with a delicate fruitiness of dark grapes, vanilla, and honey. This is accompanied by a warming spiciness of oak, pepper, and subtle nutmeg. Becomes drier towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is medium long, sweet and creamy with a slightly warming but sweet oaky spiciness, nutty flavours and a very dry end.
With water: Water tames a bit of the fruity sweetness bringing more herbal flavours and bitter notes of grapeseed to the fore. Stays sweet on the palate but less warming with a tamed spiciness. Slightly fruity notes of grapes in the back. The finish is a bit shorter with prickling oak and an extremely dry end.
Comments: This is a fruity, sweet and mild single malt from the German Hanseatic city Wismar on the Baltic Sea coast. Although only three years old this dram already shows great promise. Surprisingly mature with a nice balance of sweet, fruity and lovely spicy flavours. The nose reminds me of a strong beer whisky and indeed, the distillery has a long history in beer brewing at the “Brauhaus am Lohberg zu Wismar”. Quite tasty and quaffable. Well done folks!

 

I thank Whiskymax for the sample!