St. Kilian Scorpions – 60 Years of Rock
Mario Rudolf and his team at St. Kilian have come up with something very special for this anniversary whisky. 60 years of Scorpions - that literally cries out for a whisky that is just as uncompromising as the rock legends themselves. And what do you do when you want to create a whisky with bite? You take German beech-smoked malt and mature it in ex-tequila barrels. A combination that looks like a daring experiment on paper, but in practice tells a story that you won't forget in a hurry.
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first nosing, it becomes clear that something is different here. The smoke that rises from the glass is not the typical peat smoke that we know from Scotland. No, this smoke has something subtle, almost maritime about it. It's like standing on a windy beach while a campfire burns in the distance - but not just any campfire, one fuelled by beech wood. And then there's something else: a slightly "dirty" note, but it's a far cry from BBQ smoke. It is this rough, unpolished component that immediately characterises the whisky as something special. You can literally smell the rebel attitude in this glass.
Palate
And then the first sip - a special kind of aha experience. Citrus flavours literally explode on the tongue, accompanied by a clear agave note that immediately transports you to Mexico. Sweet paprika joins in, a combination that you probably wouldn't have expected in a German whisky. The character is spicy, but in an atypical way. It's like drinking a mezcal that has decided to apply for German citizenship. This marriage of Franconian craftsmanship with Mexican firewater is so unusual that it's ingenious again.
Finish
Delicate oak notes come through, tart and dry, while a steaming smoky character dominates the stage. It is as if the whisky continues to play on your tongue long after you have swallowed it - an echo that reminds you of what you have just experienced.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
For those brave enough to step off the beaten path, the St. Kilian Scorpions – 60 Years of Rock offers a smoky, cheeky companion that delights with its youthful carefree spirit. This whisky isn’t a gentle seducer but a rebellious character full of fun that leaves you wanting more. Perfect for anyone who loves whisky with sharp edges and personality.
Sascha 82/100
The balance between German beech smoke and the fruity agave note is unconventional yet well-structured; the St. Kilian Scorpions – 60 Years of Rock demonstrates that adventurous experimentation can be combined with technical precision. Despite its youthfulness, the whisky feels surprisingly mature, with a finish featuring dry, bitter oak nuances and lingering smoke that provide solid complexity. An exciting profile for lovers of modern, bold cask combinations.
Value for Money: Fair
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the smoke in the St. Kilian Scorpions – 60 Years of Rock special?
The smoke comes from German beech-smoked malt and differs distinctly from typical Scottish peat smoke. It is more subtle, almost maritime, with a rough, unpolished note reminiscent of a beechwood campfire on a windy beach.
How do the ex-tequila casks influence the flavor of this whisky?
Maturation in ex-tequila casks imparts pronounced agave notes and a spicy component reminiscent of mezcal. This creates an unusual, Mexican-inspired flavor complexity that blends with German aromas like sweet paprika and citrus notes.
Why does this whisky have no age statement, even though it is 0 years old?
The St. Kilian Scorpions – 60 Years of Rock is a so-called No-Age-Statement (NAS) whisky. This means the producer does not specify a concrete age because it is a special blend or experiment where the focus is on the tasting experience rather than the age.