St. Kilian Hedan 2021/2025
Nose
The first impression is impressively intense. Red fruits immediately dominate - raspberries and cherries literally jump out of the glass. An interesting hint of leather develops behind this, giving the whisky a rustic yet elegant flavour. The nose is complex and multi-layered, with a slightly tart undertone that builds up tension.
Taste
On the palate, the Hedan is surprisingly drinkable and accessible. The malty sweetness is perfectly balanced and is supported by the red grapes from the red wine barrel maturation. A hint of black pepper brings spicy complexity into play, while the slight astringency from the nose is more subtle here. In fact, a beautiful harmony develops between sweetness and spice.
Finish
The oak is present, but not dominant, and brings a pleasant structure. A touch of dark chocolate joins in and harmonises perfectly with the sour cherry notes. The finish is long and complex - exactly what you want from a well-matured single malt.
Thoughts
What impressed most about the St. Kilian Hedan 2021/2025 is the exceptional maturity of this whisky. For a four-year-old single malt, the Hedan displays a complexity and depth that is normally only found in much older bottlings. The red wine casks have done a great job here, giving the whisky a complexity that makes you forget its relative youth.
Rating: 74/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 70 | Sascha: 78)
Value for Money: 3/5 - Ok
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ Is the St Kilian Hedan suitable for whisky beginners?
👉 Despite its complexity, the Hedan is very accessible. The 46% alcohol content is pleasant to drink and the fruity notes from the red wine barrel ageing also make it interesting for wine drinkers.
❓ How does the Hedan differ from other St. Kilian bottlings?
👉 The Hedan stands out clearly from other St. Kilian whiskies due to its special maturation in Dunkelfelder red wine barriques. While the signature editions are usually matured in classic casks, the wine maturation here brings a completely different fruitiness and complexity.
❓ Why is the whisky so complex after just four years?
👉 Red wine barrels release significantly more flavours than bourbon barrels, for example, which accelerates the maturation process. In addition, the Franconian climate ensures good interaction between the whisky and the barrel.