St. Kilian Signature Edition Fourteen – Unpeated
With the Signature Edition FOURTEEN, the St. Kilian Distillery is launching a single malt on the market that is deliberately dedicated to the influence of fine French cask art. This limited bottling combines distillates that have matured for between three and seven years in a selection of exceptional casks - including Rhum Agricole, Armagnac, Cognac, Sauternes, Margaux red wine and Champagne Vin Clair.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression is clear: fruity sweetness in its purest form. Peach rings, passion fruit, lychee and juicy pear form a tropical combination of flavours reminiscent of fine dessert wines - no wonder given the variety of barrels. There is also creamy vanilla, delicate cream caramel and a hint of crème brûlée. The nose is very soft, round and inviting without appearing arbitrary - an interplay that makes you want more.
Palate
The first impression is confirmed on the palate: buttery and creamy, with ripe fruit flavours of flat peach and kiwi and a restrained vinosity that is particularly evident in the middle section. The different barrel types do not work against each other here, but with each other - they create depth, but not chaos. The texture is dense and smooth, the sweetness remains present but never intrusive. A perfectly balanced interplay of fruit, vanilla and subtle oak spice.
Finish
The finish is medium-long, harmonious and very balanced. A soft oak flavour, accompanied by fine vanilla and a hint of caramel, remains pleasant on the palate. A slight tingle - the famous ‘St. Kilian funk’ - provides character and recognition.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
A whisky that’s fun and full of character without trying too hard – the FOURTEEN invites you to relax and enjoy its fruity-sweet richness. The French casks give it a special charm that piques curiosity for more, without overwhelming the palate. For connoisseurs seeking an approachable premium single malt with personality, this is the perfect choice.
Sascha 79/100
With the FOURTEEN, St. Kilian achieves a remarkably balanced cask composition that creates depth without compromising harmony. The seamless integration of Rhum Agricole, Armagnac, and others delivers a structured complexity offering both intricacy and clarity. A technically impressive single malt that demonstrates how cask selection and maturation time can precisely shape character.
Value for Money: Good
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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62/100Frequently Asked Questions
How do the different types of French casks influence the flavor of the St. Kilian Signature Edition Fourteen – Unpeated?
The combination of Rhum Agricole, Armagnac, Cognac, Sauternes, Margaux red wine, and Champagne Vin Clair casks imparts complex fruit notes such as peach, passion fruit, and lychee, along with a creamy vanilla and caramel texture. This variety of casks provides depth and a harmonious interplay without any single aroma dominating.
Why is the St. Kilian Signature Edition Fourteen labeled 'Unpeated,' and how does this affect the aroma?
'Unpeated' means the whisky was made without using peated malt. As a result, it lacks the smoky or medicinal notes typically found in peated whiskies. Instead, the focus is on fruity sweetness and cask complexity, leading to a soft, rounded, and inviting aroma.
What is the alcohol content, and how should the Signature Edition Fourteen be best enjoyed?
The alcohol content is 49.8% ABV. This strength allows for an intense flavor experience while remaining very drinkable. For optimal tasting, it’s recommended to enjoy the whisky neat or with a few drops of water to fully reveal the complex fruit and cask notes.