St. Kilian Whisky Bunker Reserve 2025 - Peated
Nose
Cold smoke settles like a misty blanket over the other aromas, reminiscent of long-extinguished fires after a rain shower. Beneath this lies an earthy depth reminiscent of damp forest floors and mossy stones. But the Bunker Reserve does not only show its dark side: dark raspberries shimmer through the smoke curtain, accompanied by fully ripe raisins that promise a natural sweetness. Particularly charming are the hints of Muhkuh Bonbons, those creamy caramel notes that bring a creamy softness to the otherwise powerful bouquet. This nose is not a gentle invitation, but a confident statement: here, power awaits, packaged in complex multi-layeredness.
Taste
Berry notes dominate the opening, with red and dark fruits interweaving to create a full-bodied flavour profile. The whisky is both voluminous and creamy, filling the palate completely without seeming heavy or oily. This creaminess is reminiscent of vanilla pudding with berry compote and forms a wonderful contrast to the smoky power of the nose. The turbo-fast maturation in the bunker shows its strengths here: the aromas are concentrated and intense without appearing immature or overly woody. It is a lively, dynamic palate that dances between fruitiness and spicy depth, always maintaining its balance. Despite the smoothness of the texture, the power remains noticeable and gives the whisky its characterful bite.
Finish
A fruity-sweet note returns and settles over the spicy dryness like a conciliatory final farewell. This sweetness is reminiscent of the berry fruits on the palate, but now more concentrated and almost syrupy. The smoke slowly fades into the background, while pepper and fruit linger for a long time. It is a finish that does not end abruptly, but takes its time to revisit all the facets. The length is remarkable for a young whisky with no age statement, and the development from spicy to dry to fruity sweetness impressively demonstrates the complexity of this bottling.
Thoughts
St. Kilian Whisky Bunker Reserve 2025 Peated is a fascinating example of modern German whisky craftsmanship. The typical turbo maturation in the bunker gives it an intensity that is normally characteristic of much older whiskies. Spicy and powerful, yet smooth in texture, this single malt has a distinct character that makes it interesting and full of personality.
Rating: 81/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 81 | Sascha: 81)
Value for Money: 3/5 - Ok
Preview Image Source: St. Kilian
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ How does maturation in the NATO bunker influence the flavour of the whisky?
👉 The constant temperatures and high humidity in the former NATO bunker in the Odenwald create unique maturing conditions. The consistent climatic conditions without extreme temperature fluctuations result in an intense but balanced interaction between the whisky and the cask wood.
❓ What exactly does "typical turbo maturation" mean for this whisky?
👉 Turbo maturation describes the accelerated maturation process achieved through optimal storage conditions. In the case of Bunker Reserve, this leads to intensive aroma extraction from the casks in a comparatively short time. The result: a whisky without an age statement that tastes far beyond its actual maturation period. Typical characteristics include concentrated fruit and spice notes, a powerful presence on the palate and a long finish. This maturation method is not without controversy, but when carefully implemented, it delivers impressive results, as this St. Kilian proves.