St. Kilian Signature Edition Thirteen
The St. Kilian distillery releases their Signature Editions at irregular intervals. These are strictly limited bottlings of selected casks. For the 13th Signature Edition, we were sent a deconstruction set, i.e. samples of the individual barrels, as well as a sample of the final product. A super exciting experience! Below is our impression of the Signature Edition Thirteen, as well as (at the very bottom) a breakdown of the individual parts.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The single malt opens with dominant citrus, vanilla and caramel notes. In the background, there is a pleasant campfire smoke note, which is greatly supported by cinnamon and a certain florality. Overall malty and mild, we like the nose very much.
Palate
Balanced and round, the caramel sweetness combines with a floral, grassy note that we could already perceive in the nose. Cinnamon and ginger, as well as dark chocolate pair with peach jam to create an exciting composition that is both slightly peppery and sweetly mild. The smoke is supportively present, but does not play in the foreground.
Finish
The finish is medium long with a slight fruitiness and dryness.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
The Signature Edition Thirteen is a genuine delight, playfully captivating with its smoky depth and sweet caramel notes. Despite the 54ppm peat smoke, it remains approachable and invites relaxed sipping – a fantastic testament to the art of blending. Anyone who appreciates complex yet easy-drinking drams should definitely grab this one!
Sascha 78/100
A well-structured single malt that masterfully balances smoke, sweetness, and spice notes. The complexity arises from the careful selection of the five cask components, with the Palatinate oak standing out in particular. For lovers of precisely crafted signature editions, this whisky delivers a technically impressive performance.
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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What does the Deconstruction Set in the St. Kilian Signature Edition Thirteen mean?
The Deconstruction Set contains samples of the individual casks used to compose the Signature Edition Thirteen, as well as a sample of the finished blend. This allows you to taste each cask profile separately and better understand the complexity of the bottling.
How does the relatively young age of 4 years affect the taste of this whisky?
At 4 years, the whisky is comparatively young but shows remarkable maturity thanks to the cask selection. The fruitiness, maltiness, and subtle smokiness are well balanced, without the whisky coming across as too sharp or underdeveloped.
Why is the alcohol content of 53.9% in this single malt higher than in many other whiskies?
An alcohol content of 53.9% indicates that the bottling is either cask strength or only lightly diluted. This preserves the intense aromas and delivers a powerful flavor experience that can be adjusted with a little water according to personal preference.