St. Kilian Whisky Solera – Peated – III 2024
The third release from the St. Kilian Whisky Solera system, this time as the second smoky bottling, impressively demonstrates what is created when patience, cask expertise and vision come together.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Intense red fruits, dark prunes and juicy blackberries dominate. These are joined by brown sugar and almost dark, slightly burnt caramel. The smoke deliberately remains in the background - a subtle, associative hint of fresh roof truss rounds off the experience.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky is sticky and dense, almost syrupy - but without being overloaded. The sweetness of the PX casks comes through immediately, paired with sultanas, a hint of dark chocolate and subtle peat smoke, which plays harmoniously around everything. A spicy undertone provides structure and depth.
Finish
The finish is long, voluminous and warming. It once again brings the chocolaty depth and a pleasant portion of oak spice without dominating. Dried fruit remains present, while a spicy, dry finish slowly unfolds.
Thoughts
Marcel 82/100
The Solera Peated III is a charming companion for those seeking more than just a quick dram. The combination of smoke and fruity sweetness feels like a little adventure – complex, lively, and with enough depth to keep surprising you time and again. A pleasure that leaves you wanting more without ever overwhelming.
Sascha 86/100
This Solera cask construct impresses with its balanced structure and harmonious interplay between peaty smokiness and sherry-rich fruitiness. The maturation reveals a precise cask selection that makes the whisky multi-layered without ever feeling overloaded. A technically accomplished example of complex cask aging with a long-lasting, spicy finish.
Value for Money: Fair
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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86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Solera system influence the flavor of the St. Kilian Whisky Solera – Peated – III 2024?
The Solera system ensures a continuous blending of different maturation stages, resulting in a complex, balanced flavor development. In this case, the aromas from old sherry casks combine with peat smoke and bourbon cask notes to create a multi-layered profile.
Why is the whisky’s smoky character rather restrained despite its peated nature?
The peat smoke is deliberately kept in the background because the focus lies on the harmony between sweet sherry aromas and spicy notes. Here, the smoke serves as a subtle accent that complements the fruitiness and sweetness without dominating.
What role do the Pedro Ximénez sherry casks play in the maturation of this whisky?
The Pedro Ximénez sherry casks impart the whisky’s characteristic sweetness and depth, with aromas of raisins, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. They round off the flavor and contribute to the syrupy mouthfeel.