St. Kilian Distiller's Choice Sonderedition 2 2025
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Tasting Notes
Nose
As the whisky unfolds in the glass, a delicate symphony of aromas begins. Like a gentle morning thunderstorm, subtle peat notes drift across the olfactory landscape, never intrusive, but poetically restrained. The peat presents itself as a gentle companion, setting the stage for the true protagonists. Pineapple dances through the glass like a tropical ray of sunshine, accompanied by a fresh citrus magic reminiscent of sun-kissed lemon groves. The oak recedes into the background like an old sage, subtle but present, while earthy nuances form the foundation. It is like walking through an orchard with a light veil of smoke hanging over it. The nose promises complexity, but it only whispers it, it doesn't shout it out.
Palate
The true nature of this spirit is revealed on the palate. The light fruitiness of the nose gives way to a dominant sweetness, which initially resembles industrial sugar, but then develops into a fuller picture with honey-like nuances. The peat, which was still restrained on the nose, now emerges confidently, stronger than expected, almost demanding. Berry tones shimmer through the sweet smoke like stars in the night sky, while a creamy layer gives the whole a seductive texture. The contrast between the sweet base structure and the strong peat character creates an exciting dynamic. Here, two worlds battle for supremacy: the gentle sweetness and the resolute smoke. A dance of contrasts that challenges and rewards the palate at the same time.
Finish
The finale of this aromatic journey reveals the honest truth: this whisky is still young, and it makes no secret of it. Its youth is not a flaw, but a characteristic feature that gives the whisky a certain rawness and immediacy. Colourful pepper explodes on the tongue, lingering for a medium length of time, accompanied by warming Christmas spices and a delicate hint of cinnamon. Nougat clings to the finish like a sweet memory of past holidays. The finish is neither long nor short, but precisely measured, an honest statement without exaggeration. The spice dominates, while the sweetness slowly fades away like the last song of a summer evening.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
St. Kilian shows courage and character here – a young, lively whisky that really delights with its sweet fruitiness and smoky peat. Sure, it’s still a bit lacking in maturity, but it’s precisely this youthful immediacy that makes the drinking experience exciting and genuine. For anyone looking for a distinctive dram from Germany, this is a real winner!
Sascha 76/100
The Distiller's Choice Special Edition 2 2025 impresses with its clear structure and the successful balance between sweetness and peat. However, due to its young age, the whisky still feels somewhat underdeveloped, especially noticeable in the finish. With a bit more cask maturation, this spirit could fully realize its potential and achieve significantly greater complexity.
Value for Money: No rating
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How does the St. Kilian Distiller's Choice Special Edition 2 2025 differ from older releases from the distillery?
The Special Edition 2 2025 is a young, no-age-statement whisky that plays with a pronounced contrast between sweet fruitiness and robust peat character. Compared to older releases, it exhibits a more pronounced rawness and immediacy, which is due to its youth and manifests in a spicy, peppery finish.
Why does peat flavor play a role in a German whisky like St. Kilian?
Although German whiskies are traditionally less peaty, St. Kilian opts for a subtle yet present peat note in this edition. This adds an intriguing tension between sweet and smoky aromas, making it more complex and multifaceted than many other German bottlings.
How should one best enjoy the St. Kilian Distiller's Choice Special Edition 2 2025 to fully experience its aromas?
The whisky is best enjoyed neat at room temperature to fully unfold the delicate fruit and peat aromas. A large whisky glass helps to appreciate the complex nose with its pineapple and citrus notes alongside gentle smoke. Water should be added sparingly, as the high alcohol content of 51.1% ABV can otherwise overpower the flavors.