St. Kilian Single Cask – David’s Choice – Unpeated
Rich, Dried Fruits2024-05-13
This whisky matured for 6 years in a fresh chestnut wood cask. Today, we'll see what effect this unusual wood had on it.
Note: David Haynes is one of the masterminds behind St. Kilian distillery and personally co-responsible for its planning.
Smell
Right from the start, the dark, intense color catches our eye. And just as expected, the nose doesn't disappoint. The intense aroma of freshly cut wood immediately fills the air. We discover lush notes of warm chestnuts and a dry sweetness reminiscent of raisins. Behind that, there's an aroma of dried fruits.
Taste
On the palate, this single malt continues to impress. Intense and oily, it coats the entire mouth. We taste a versatile blend of dried fruits and forest herbs. It offers a myriad of wood flavors, leaving a dry, warming sensation on the palate.
Finish
The finish is exceptionally long, especially for a non-smoky whisky. Fruit notes continue to dominate, providing a warming sensation. We're reminded of a sweet chutney, rounded off by delicate tobacco leaves and full-bodied wood tones.
Thoughts
Although it's obvious, chestnut is not oak. It's fair to say that David's Choice is somewhat atypical. No fresh oak cask would develop such dark fruity notes with such intensity. This makes this already delicious single malt even more exceptional and interesting. However, its high intensity might pose a challenge for beginners.