St. Kilian Scorpions Crazy World – Unpeated
In keeping with German Unity Day, this whisky combines brandy casks from East and West Germany – a symbolic fusion of two traditions. The oak casks used make it even more fascinating: Palatinate oak, representing Helmut Kohl, meets Russian oak, representing Mikhail Gorbachev. Two statesmen whose work made German reunification possible, united in a whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose immediately reveals the sweet character of this special drop. Dark caramel toffee dominates the first impression and is reminiscent of handmade sweets from a patisserie. This intense sweetness is cleverly counterbalanced by a beautiful oak spice, which adds structure and complexity. Behind this, subtle hints of heather unfold, lending the whole an almost poetic note. With a little time in the glass, wonderful fruit aromas develop: ripe peaches and juicy stone fruit join the initial sweetness. The plum aromas in particular add interesting accents and give a hint of the maturation in the brandy casks.
Palate
This whisky is full-bodied and exceptionally creamy on the tongue. The texture is remarkable: velvety smooth yet with a powerful presence that integrates the high alcohol content of 54% ABV surprisingly well. The distinct fruit sweetness is at the forefront: grapes and ripe stone fruit literally dance on the palate. But the true finesse is revealed in the spice: a strong woody spice permeates the entire taste experience and provides an interesting moment of irritation. One could almost think that peat is involved here, but it is the distinctive spice of the fresh chestnut and oak barrels that evokes this smoky association.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and leaves a lasting impression. The stone fruit, which already played an important role on the nose and palate, returns here once again and is accompanied by notes of grape must. This brandy association gives the finish an elegant, almost Mediterranean note.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
This St. Kilian Scorpions Crazy World – Unpeated impresses with an enticing sweetness and an exciting spiciness that immediately invites you to take another sip. The creamy texture and the chestnut cask note give it a distinctive twist that delights not only whisky fans in Germany. A fruity-spicy treat that arrives in the glass with humor and heart.
Sascha 81/100
A well-structured German single malt that convinces with its balanced harmony between sweet fruitiness and subtle wood spice. The combination of Palatinate and Russian oak creates a complex cask character that lends the whisky depth and an intriguing smoky nuance. Overall, a technically solid cask profile with clear aromatic guidance and an elegant, medium-length finish.
Value for Money: Fair
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Why is the St. Kilian Scorpions Crazy World called an unpeated whisky even though it has a smoky spiciness?
The whisky is unpeated because no peat was used to dry the malt. The smoky association arises from the pronounced spiciness of the fresh chestnut and oak casks, especially the Russian oak, which imparts an almost smoky note.
What significance do the oak casks used have for the character of this whisky?
The combination of Palatinate oak and Russian oak symbolizes German unity and shapes the flavor. The Palatinate oak contributes warm, spicy notes, while the Russian oak provides a robust wood spice that gives the whisky its distinctive structure and complexity.
How does the high alcohol content of 54% ABV influence the tasting experience of this whisky?
Despite the powerful 54% ABV, the whisky is surprisingly creamy and velvety on the palate. The high alcohol content enhances the fruity sweetness and wood spice without coming across as harsh or unpleasant, resulting in a full-bodied and well-balanced tasting experience.