St. Kilian Exceptional Range ex Mugi Shochu – Mild
With the Exceptional Range ex Mugi Shochu, St. Kilian ventures into uncharted territory: a single malt matured in an American white oak cask that previously held Japanese mugi shochu – likely one of the first bottlings of its kind outside Japan. The result is a delicate, perfumed-floral whisky that marries Far Eastern elegance with Franconian craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Crisp nashi pear greets immediately, accompanied by delicate apricot tones and a whisper of apple blossom. The bouquet feels perfumed and light, almost weightless – like strolling through a Japanese orchard in full bloom. A refined, elegant opening that builds anticipation for the first sip.
Palate
Fine and creamy, the first sip settles in with a silky vanilla note that seamlessly transitions into crème brûlée. Beneath it lies a delicate fruit tart, gentle and not overly sweet, lending a pleasant baking spice to the flavour. White pepper adds a subtle accent at the close, introducing the faintest hint of heat.
Finish
The finest oak notes lead the way out, accompanied by a delicate cherry blossom. Lemon zest and an unmistakable touch of yuzu provide a fresh, citric send-off – elegant and clear, like the whisky itself.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100 - (Excellent)
Extremely fresh, delicate, and surprisingly multifaceted – the Exceptional Range ex Mugi Shochu is a whisky that wins you over with quiet refinement. The slightly funky character from the shochu cask lends it a distinctive edge that makes this single malt a genuine experience.
Sascha 84/100 - (Excellent)
A remarkably delicate single malt that reveals its complexity gradually, layer by layer. The Japanese cask origin manifests in a fresh, almost ethereal aromatic profile with a subtly funky undertone. Technically convincing in its restraint – finesse was chosen over force here.
Value for Money: 0/5 (No rating)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is mugi shochu and how does it influence the whisky?
Mugi shochu is a traditional Japanese barley spirit and one of Japan's most popular liquors. The American white oak cask in which it previously matured imparts a unique combination of floral, fruity, and slightly funky notes to the whisky – a profile that clearly sets it apart from classic bourbon or sherry cask maturations.
How does the ex Mugi Shochu differ from the Mizunara editions in the Exceptional Range?
While the Mizunara editions emphasise spicy and sandalwood-like notes through the Japanese oak wood, the ex Mugi Shochu foregrounds delicate fruitiness. The shochu cask contributes a perfumed-floral quality with nashi pear and cherry blossom, giving this bottling a lighter, more ethereal character.
What is the best way to enjoy such a delicate whisky?
At 55.5% ABV, a first sip neat is recommended to appreciate the subtle blossom and fruit notes in their full finesse. A few drops of water further open up the creamy vanilla and crème brûlée notes. For the adventurous, this whisky also works beautifully in a Japanese highball style with quality soda water – the yuzu notes in the finish lend themselves perfectly to it.