St. Kilian Signature Edition Sixteen

Nose

The vinous soul of this single malt reveals itself at first approach. A distinct wineiness hovers like a veil over the glass – not intrusive, but elegantly integrated. Juicy grapes dominate the first impression, as if you had just entered a vineyard where the fruits have reached full ripeness. Underneath, there is a slight hint of plum, reminiscent of late summer fruit baskets.
Then the characteristic signature of the St. Kilian distillery emerges: peach and pear dance in duet, soft and inviting, as is familiar from many of their bottlings. This stone fruit and pear combination has become a distinguishing feature – but here it is given a Mediterranean accent. The finish is a seductive crème brûlée note, which lends the whole a creamy, caramelised sweetness and heightens the anticipation of the first sip immeasurably.

Taste

The spice takes the lead without dominating. It is a mature, confident spiciness that immediately shows that this is no novice whisky. But then comes the surprise: raspberries and apricots break through the layer of spice like rays of sunshine through clouds. This red fruit sweetness is intense, juicy and perfectly balanced. The fortified wine casks have left their mark – not as an intrusive overload, but as a harmonious integration. The mouthfeel is remarkable: full-bodied and oily, but never heavy or sluggish. The whisky settles on the tongue like a silky cloak and unfolds its complex aroma profile layer by layer.

Finish

The finish begins with a slightly bitter oak spice, a welcome contrast to the preceding sweetness, which adds structure and depth. Strawberry jam joins in, slightly reduced, concentrated in its sweetness. This combination of tart spice and berry jam creates a tension that makes the finish interesting.