St. Kilian Single Cask – Turf Tail Distillers Cut – Peated
As part of the release in early May 2024, St. Kilian presented two different single cask bottlings that stand out for their special focus on smokiness and peatiness. For the Turf Tail Distiller’s Cut, only the spirit from a very specific point in the distillation process is used. According to their own statements, it is the last 250 liters of the heart of the second distillation. They say that at this temperature, the smoky character of the single malt develops particularly intensely. Let’s see how we like this exciting and experimental bottling.
Tasting Notes
Nose
It is immediately clear where the journey is headed: peatiness is front and center here. The smoke is rather cold and iodic. We find typical medicinal and band-aid aromas. The nose is clearly dominated by peat. However, we get less of a smoky character and more of an earthy, coal-like quality. Behind it, sweet aromas of vanilla, light caramel, and a good portion of malt unfold.
Palate
On the palate, the malt is much sweeter and fruitier than initially expected. The smoke envelops the pleasant aromas of the bourbon cask maturation. We find pears, green apples, and a hint of peach. Rounded off with vanilla and malt, we get a creamy yet dry mouthfeel.
Finish
The finish is also rather atypical. Medium to long-lasting, the earthy and slightly chalky notes reappear. Despite the cask strength, there’s no kick here but rather a pleasant balance and wonderful smoothness.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
A whisky that really lifts your spirits with its smoky character and sweet-fruity notes – not perfect, but definitely an exciting companion for peat fans looking for something unconventional. The Turf Tail Distillers Cut delivers fun and personality without taking itself too seriously.
Sascha 84/100
Technically accomplished, the Turf Tail Distillers Cut presents itself as a well-balanced single malt with a clear focus on earthy peat and subtle bourbon cask aromas. Its harmonious structure and pleasant mouthfeel make it an interesting cask strength expression, though it may not suit every palate.
Value for Money: Fair
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What does 'Distillers Cut' mean for this St. Kilian Single Cask?
The term 'Distillers Cut' indicates that only a specific portion of the distillate was used for this whisky – in this case, the last 250 liters of the middle cut from the second distillation. This approach aims to achieve an especially intense smoky character.
How does the cask strength of 58.7% influence the taste of this peaty whisky?
Although the whisky is quite high in alcohol at 58.7%, it surprisingly comes across as soft and balanced. The cask strength amplifies the flavors without compromising enjoyment through excessive harshness.
What makes the smoky character of this whisky unique?
The smoke is more cold and iodine-like, with medicinal and plastery notes. Instead of classic wood smoke, an earthy, coal-like peat dominates, complemented by sweet vanilla and malt aromas.