St. Kilian Handfilled Whisky – ex Champagner Vin Clair – Unpeated
Whisky from a champagne cask? St. Kilian has once again dug deep into the cask game - and delivered a real nerd piece with this handfilled bottling from an ex-champagne vin clair cask. This is not an easy sipper for an after-work dram, but a real flavour experiment with 60.9% vol. on tap. No clouds of smoke, no flood of caramel - but a sensory balancing act between fruity sweetness and dry white wine structure. A bit like a grappa with a whisky bypass.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression is so fresh and elegant that you almost think you've got the wrong glass. Sweet white grapes, quite clearly, plus a distinctly yeasty white wine character - anyone who knows Vin Clair will nod approvingly. There is also vanilla cream, a splash of citrus and perhaps even a hint of honey. Overall, the whole thing is lively and lively - almost like a dessert wine.
Palate
The alcohol gives a good boost without being uncontrolled. The first sip is incredibly oily, almost like liquid wax with character. The sweet nose is deceptive - it becomes drier in the mouth. The grape is there, but not sugary, rather ripe and subtly tart. A touch of wood, slight bitterness, zero stickiness. And this cask strength? Fits perfectly. Those who like substance will get their money's worth here.
Finish
Warming, slightly astringent, spicy - and then it comes, the bittersweet reminder of grappa. No coincidence, but a stylistic device. The vin clair influence is not just a labelling trick, but is noticeable throughout the entire profile. The finish is medium-long, but with reverberation - not loud, but very present.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
This St. Kilian Handfilled is no cuddly whisky, but rather a bold adventure in a glass – the sweet nose entices you, yet on the palate it surprises with a dry, almost grappa-like bitterness. Anyone craving character and a bit of attitude will be thoroughly entertained here.
Sascha 81/100
A fascinating balance between sweet fruitiness and dry wood notes defines this ex-Champagne Vin Clair whisky, whose 60.9% cask strength is powerfully yet harmoniously integrated. The clear structure with subtle bitterness makes it a technically convincing experiment far removed from classic whisky paths.
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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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ex Champagne Vin Clair" mean in the context of the St. Kilian Handfilled whisky?
"Ex Champagne Vin Clair" means that the whisky was matured in a cask that previously held Champagne Vin Clair, a young, unbottled Champagne. This cask imparts a fruity, yeasty white wine note that distinctly shapes the whisky’s flavor profile.
How does the 60.9% ABV cask strength affect the drinking experience of this whisky?
The high cask strength of 60.9% ABV delivers an intense tasting experience with plenty of substance and warmth. The alcohol is present but well integrated, making the whisky powerful while highlighting complex aromas of grapes, vanilla, and wood. For a more balanced drinking experience, adding a few drops of water is recommended.
Why is this St. Kilian whisky labeled as "unpeated" despite its complex aromas?
"Unpeated" means that no peated malt was used during production, so there is no smoky flavor in the whisky. The complexity here arises from the unusual cask that previously held Champagne Vin Clair, resulting in dominant fruity and yeasty notes rather than smoky or peaty aromas.