St. Kilian Signature Edition Thirteen
Peaty, Leathery2023-04-02
Below is our impression of the Signature Edition Thirteen, as well as (at the very bottom) a breakdown of the individual parts.
Smell
The single malt opens with dominant citrus, vanilla and caramel notes. In the background, there is a pleasant campfire smoke note, which is greatly supported by cinnamon and a certain florality. Overall malty and mild, we like the nose very much.
Taste
Balanced and round, the caramel sweetness combines with a floral, grassy note that we could already perceive in the nose. Cinnamon and ginger, as well as dark chocolate pair with peach jam to create an exciting composition that is both slightly peppery and sweetly mild. The smoke is supportively present, but does not play in the foreground.
Finish
The finish is medium long with a slight fruitiness and dryness.
Thoughts
It's really amazing what influence different barrels and types of wood have on the New Make. To understand the craft of a blender, you really have to try something like this. The five components have their own characteristics, which are reflected in the nuances of the final product.
The result is impressive - tasty, easy to drink and accessible despite the 54ppm peat smoke in the New Make. If one compares the individual proportions, it quickly becomes clear what value was placed on them. The largest portion was chosen from the typical flavours, while the unusual flavours make up the smaller part and still give the Signature Edition its complexity.
By the way - if we had to choose a single cask bottling, our choice would have been the Palatinate oak.
Notice: Under More Information you will find tasting notes on the individual components of the single malt!
Rating: 80/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 82 | Sascha: 78)
Value for Money: 4/5 - Good
Product for review provided free of charge by St. KilianFurther Information
Cherry (3% share, 61.7% vol.) [2018-2022]🤥 Mown grass, meadow, eucalyptus, cut roses, bark, laurel bush, perfume
👅 Sweet and bitter, eucalyptus, rose stem, grandma's bathroom
🏁 Sweet, wild flowers, perfume
Palatinate Oak (11% share, 60.6% vol.) [2018-2022]
🤥 Roasted aromas, strawberry and candyfloss, syrup, candied fruit, raspberry blossom
👅 Strong start, sugar, vanilla, mega dry, nuts, nice oak
🏁 Smouldering campfire, dry, oak, long
Chestnut (content: 27%, 53.4% vol.) [2019-2022]
🤥 Vanilla, candyfloss, syrup, cold smoke, peach
👅 Earthy ash, blood orange, creamy, slightly bitter
🏁 Slightly woody, spices
Wild Robinia (27% share, 61.8% vol.) [2019-2022]
🤥 Sherry notes, leather, vanilla, cinnamon, candy floss, light campfire, earthy, aniseed
👅 Spicy, sugary sweet, syrupy, light red fruits, astringent, glowing coals
🏁 Medium-bodied, sweet-spicy, woody
Hungarian Oak (32% share, 61.3% vol.) [2016-2022]
🤥 Caramel, vanilla, oak, hint of smoke, honey, copper
👅 Very spicy, active smoke profile, lemony and vanilla, ginger, fresh
🏁 Medium length, oak spice, sweet