St. Kilian Bud Spencer - The Legend - Rauchig - Batch 03
Bud Spencer embodies unyielding justice and uncompromising boldness—traits that resonate in the smoky edition of "The Legend," a German single malt whisky crafted by St. Kilian Distillery. Aged in Italian Amarone red wine casks and ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky combines the robust character of Scottish malt (80 ppm smoke) with youthful freshness. Does it live up to Bud Spencer's legendary name?
Tasting Notes
Nose
A cold, smoky aroma immediately takes center stage, reminiscent of smoldering campfire embers. Beneath the smoke lies a layer of green apple and a fleeting hint of exotic fruits. Over time, vanilla and caramel emerge, providing a balancing sweetness.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky delivers a bold spiciness with a kick of white pepper. Its texture is creamy yet dry, complemented by a herbal freshness reminiscent of menthol. The smoke dominates, leaving little room for fruity notes, though a faint hint of banana makes an appearance. The whisky’s youthful edge is noticeable but not overpowering.
Finish
The finish is robustly spicy with prominent oak notes. The smoke lingers persistently, accompanied by a subtle exotic fruit residue and a touch of caramel. An intense and smoky conclusion.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
This smoky St. Kilian Bud Spencer impresses with its powerful presence and straightforward drinking pleasure – perfect for anyone who likes their whisky bold and direct. The Amarone note stays in the background, which only makes the dram feel more honest and approachable. A whisky that delights with charm, character, and rough edges, doing justice to Bud Spencer’s rugged persona.
Sascha 77/100
The balance between smoke intensity and spicy freshness in this St. Kilian Bud Spencer is solid, though the whisky still lacks a fully integrated Amarone cask influence to refine its structure. The youthful freshness is quite evident, somewhat limiting the complexity, yet the finish remains powerful and long-lasting. For fans of smoky German single malts, Batch 03 offers a technically sound, if still developing, composition.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by St. Kilian. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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How do the Amarone red wine casks influence the flavor of this whisky?
Maturation in Italian Amarone red wine casks imparts a subtle fruit note and complex depth that complement the smoky aromas. This results in delicate exotic fruit nuances and a slightly sweet undertone in the flavor.
What does the 80 ppm smoke level mean for this whisky?
A smoke level of 80 ppm (phenol parts per million) indicates that the whisky has a strong, intense smoky flavor, comparable to heavily peated Scottish malts. This makes it especially appealing to lovers of smoky whiskies.
Why does this St. Kilian whisky have no age statement, and how does that affect the flavor?
The whisky is a so-called No-Age-Statement (NAS) release, meaning no minimum age is specified. This allows the distillery to blend casks of varying maturation periods to create a youthful, fresh character with intense aromas, without being restricted to a specific age.